The Nigerian Police Force has issued an urgent appeal for calm, warning against reprisal attacks on South African nationals following recent incidents of xenophobic violence in South Africa. The warning comes as the United Kingdom joins calls for restraint, urging both nations to resolve tensions through dialogue.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Police spokesperson Frank Mba emphasised that any acts of retaliation would be met with the full force of the law. "We are aware of inflammatory rhetoric circulating online and urge citizens to desist from actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order," Mba said. The police have deployed additional units to areas with high concentrations of South African businesses.
The advisory follows a wave of attacks on foreign-owned shops in South Africa, which have resulted in multiple deaths and widespread property damage. Nigerian citizens have been particularly targeted, with several deaths reported. In response, some groups in Nigeria have called for reprisal attacks against South African companies and citizens.
The UK High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, has urged both governments to prioritise the safety of their citizens. "Violence only breeds more violence. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and pursue peaceful resolutions," she said in a statement. Laing also offered UK mediation support if required.
This is not the first time tensions have flared between Africa's two largest economies. In 2019, reprisal attacks in Nigeria led to the closure of South African telecom giant MTN's offices and the temporary withdrawal of major South African retailers. The economic interdependence between the nations makes such conflicts particularly costly.
The Nigerian government has recalled its envoy to South Africa for consultations and is demanding concrete steps from Pretoria to protect Nigerian citizens. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the violence, describing it as "acts of wanton violence" and vowing to bring perpetrators to justice.
The situation places the UK in a delicate diplomatic position, given its historical ties to both nations and its current efforts to strengthen post-Brexit trade relationships across Africa. The UK has significant investments in both countries, including major stakes in South Africa's financial sector and Nigeria's oil and gas industry.
As the situation evolves, the Nigerian police have urged citizens to report any suspicious activities through official channels. For now, the immediate priority remains preventing a spiral of violence that could destabilise relations between two of Africa's most influential nations.
