The Nigerian police respond to South African xenophobia tensions with a placid approach

The Nigerian police have urged Nigerians to remain calm in response to xenophobic narratives in South Africa currently circling social media.

• Nigerian police have urged citizens to stay calm amid xenophobic sentiments targeting African migrants in South Africa.
• Social media has amplified violent demonstrations in South Africa, prompting several African countries to act, including repatriating their citizens.
• Nigeria is preparing the voluntary repatriation of its citizens from South Africa, with around 130 already registered.
• Security has been increased around foreign missions and sensitive areas in Nigeria to prevent retaliatory actions against South African interests.

In April and May, South Africa saw a surge in anti-immigrant sentiments, with numerous citizens calling for the removal of African migrants from the country.

These sentiments have been highlighted by clips on social media depicting violent demonstrations against African migrants in the Southern African country.

As a result, several countries have responded.

Ghana recently repatriated 300 of its citizens from South Africa, sparking debates on the diplomatic union between the two countries moving forward.

The Nigerian Senate, last month, discussed taking measures such as boycotting South African businesses within its borders.

Nigeria also noted that it is preparing to repatriate its citizens in South Africa who wish to return home voluntarily.

Nigeria's Foreign Affairs Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, announced that roughly 130 Nigerians have already registered for the repatriation effort, with more expected to follow.

Furthermore, the governments of Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe have issued formal advisories to their citizens living in South Africa, advising them to be extra vigilant against potential confrontations.

However, as demonstrations in South Africa continue to engender more hostilities, security operatives in Nigeria decided to advocate for calm within the country, as seen on the BBC.

Law enforcement authorities have issued a formal appeal to the Nigerian populace, advising against any extrajudicial actions following "reported attacks on Nigerians in South Africa," even as no such attacks have been officially reported.

Statement from the Nigerian police

"We recognise the pain and anger caused by recent attacks on Nigerians abroad," Aliyu Giwa, a senior police spokesperson, said in a post on X.

"As an institution dedicated to protecting Nigerian lives, we understand these concerns deeply," he noted.

However, this is a time for calm and restraint," he said, also revealing that violence would not protect Nigerians abroad and "would only create additional crises".

Additional security protocols have been put in place around foreign missions, important infrastructure, and other sensitive areas, according to the Nigerian police.

"Any attempt to target South African nationals, diplomatic facilities, businesses, or other lawful interests within Nigeria will be treated as a criminal act," they said.

The police also cautioned Nigerians not to distribute unsubstantiated information or take the law into their own hands, and to allow the diplomatic and judicial processes to progress.