The Nigeria Police Force has issued a stern warning against reprisal attacks on South African nationals living in the country, as diplomatic tensions between the two nations escalate. In a statement released late on Tuesday, police spokesman Frank Mba urged citizens to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, stressing that security agencies are on high alert to protect foreign nationals and maintain order.
This comes after a wave of attacks on foreign-owned businesses in South Africa, which left several people injured and forced many Nigerian residents to flee. The violence, which began in Johannesburg and rapidly spread to other cities, has been condemned by governments across the continent. Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari expressed outrage at the attacks, recalling his ambassador to South Africa and threatening economic retaliation.
The United Kingdom has waded into the fray, with the Foreign Office calling for a de-escalation and reaffirming the importance of regional stability. A spokesperson said: 'We urge both nations to resolve their differences through dialogue, and for all parties to protect the rights and lives of all those affected.'
On the streets of Abuja and Lagos, emotions are running high. Many Nigerians, already grappling with a biting cost of living crisis, see the attacks as an affront to their dignity. 'Our brothers and sisters are being killed in South Africa, and then they come here to do business? It is a slap in the face,' said Adeyemi Ogun, a shop owner in Lagos' bustling Yaba market. But he added that violence is not the answer: 'We cannot become like them. We must show we are better than that.'
The police warning reflects a deep concern that the economic hardship many face could turn simmering anger into violent reprisals. Nigeria is still reeling from its own security challenges, including a persistent insurgency in the north and rising banditry. An outbreak of xenophobic attacks would strain resources and further damage the country’s image.
For the South African community in Nigeria, the fear is palpable. 'We are scared to go out. Our children are scared to go to school,' said Thandi Mokoena, a businesswoman living in Abuja. 'We came here to work, to build a life. We are not the ones who commit violence. Please, do not punish us for the sins of our government.'
The British government's call for stability is not just rhetoric. The UK has deep economic ties with both nations, and instability in Nigeria or South Africa could disrupt trade and investment. But for ordinary Nigerians, the crisis is personal. It hits where it hurts: their sense of pride and their pocketbooks.
Women's market associations have been vocal, asking for calm but also demanding that the government secure compensation for victims and ensure safe passage for those who wish to return. 'Our hearts are heavy. We see our people suffering,' said Fatima Bello, head of a local traders' union. 'But we do not want more sorrow. We want justice, not revenge.'
As the situation unfolds, the Nigeria Police Force says it has deployed additional units to protect South African businesses and residential areas. The force also announced a hotline for reporting threats or harassment.
The world is watching. Regional stability hangs in the balance, and the voices from the kitchen table in Lagos or the market in Abuja are clear: they want peace, but they want respect too. The UK's call for dialogue may be the first step, but it is the actions of governments and citizens alike that will determine whether this crisis deepens or dissipates.
