The Nigerian Union in South Africa has urged Nigerians living in the country to remain vigilant and avoid areas where protests and large gatherings are expected ahead of a fresh nationwide demonstration announced by the March and March Movement for September 30.
The advisory comes after the anti-illegal-migration movement announced September 30 as a second national day of action, following its June 30 demonstrations against undocumented foreign nationals.
In an advisory issued on Saturday, NUSA President-General, Dr Smart Nwobi, advised Nigerians to avoid confrontations, comply with lawful instructions from the South African Police Service and keep their passports, permits, visas and other immigration documents valid and secure.
“NUSA urges all Nigerians and members of the Nigerian community in South Africa to remain calm, vigilant and safety-conscious,” Nwobi said.
He also advised Nigerians travelling through areas identified as potential protest zones to exercise caution and keep family members or trusted contacts informed of their movements where necessary.
The union urged Nigerians to report threats, attacks, intimidation or suspicious activities to the relevant authorities and, where necessary, its leadership.
Nwobi warned against responding to provocation with violence, saying such conduct could put individuals, families and the wider Nigerian community at risk.
“No Nigerian should take the law into his own hands. We must not respond to provocation with violence,” he said.
The union also stressed the distinction between concerns about undocumented immigration and the rights and safety of Nigerians who are legally resident in South Africa.
NUSA said it was engaging the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, including the High Commission in Pretoria and the Consul General’s Office, as well as relevant South African authorities.
It urged the Nigerian Mission to sustain diplomatic engagement aimed at preventing violence and protecting Nigerians and their property.
The September 30 action follows the June 30 demonstrations, during which thousands participated in protests across South Africa demanding stronger action against undocumented migrants.
The earlier protests generated significant concern among migrant communities, with reports of intimidation, displacement and violence.
The March and March Movement has said its campaign is focused on enforcing immigration, trading and municipal laws and has rejected accusations that its activities are directed at particular nationalities.
The group has nevertheless announced that the September action will constitute a second wave of national protests and has indicated that it intends to intensify its campaign.
The Nigerian union’s warning comes as South African authorities also deal with separate security concerns in Gauteng, where police are investigating the deaths of women whose bodies were discovered across Ekurhuleni.
NUSA urged Nigerians to avoid spreading unverified videos, voice notes and messages capable of creating panic.
The union said it would continue monitoring developments and provide further guidance where necessary.
