Nigerians have embarked on a protest action at the South African High Commission in Abuja today, May 1, 2026, following reports of renewed anti-foreigner attacks in South Africa.
The protesters gathered at the diplomatic mission in the Central Business District to express grievances over the safety of Nigerians and their businesses in cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, which have seen a spike in unrest since late April.
The area was cordoned off by a heavy presence of personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to maintain order and prevent any breach of the premises. While the demonstration remained controlled, the protesters displayed placards calling for an immediate end to the looting and harassment of foreign nationals.
The protest comes on the heels of several days of reported violence in South Africa, where foreign-owned shops were targeted by local mobs.
In response, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) have stated they are in high-level talks with South African authorities to secure the lives and property of Nigerians.
Despite the demonstration, the High Commission remained secure under the protection of Nigerian security forces. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Consulate in South Africa has issued a travel advisory urging citizens in affected areas to remain indoors and monitor local news updates as diplomatic efforts continue.
