The National Association of Nigerian Students has issued a stern warning to the South African government over renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians, threatening to mobilise a nationwide shutdown of MTN and other South African-owned businesses if the violence continues.
In a letter addressed to South African High Commissioner Thamsanga Dennis Mseleku in Abuja, NANS President Comrade Atiku Isah said the association, which represents over 40 million Nigerian students, could no longer tolerate what it described as the “systematic victimisation” of Nigerians. “It is deeply regrettable that some South Africans have resorted to brutalising their fellow Africans,” the statement read. “We must remind your government of the pivotal, frontline role Nigeria played — financially and diplomatically — in dismantling the oppressive Apartheid regime. We stood by South Africa in its darkest hours, making immense sacrifices for your liberation.”
NANS described the attacks as “a gross betrayal of our shared Pan-African history” and said the association had “completely run out of patience.” The group issued a clear ultimatum: “Should there be any further reports of a Nigerian citizen being attacked or killed in South Africa, NANS will immediately mobilise our millions of members nationwide to shut down operations and force MTN, alongside other South African business interests, out of the Nigerian market.”
The warning comes as tensions rise following a wave of anti-foreigner protests in Pretoria, Johannesburg and other cities between April 27 and 29, 2026. The demonstrations, driven by demands for stricter immigration controls, have sparked fears among Nigerians living in South Africa. Although officials say no Nigerians were killed in last week’s protests, two Nigerians died in separate incidents involving South African security personnel last month. Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel died on April 25 from injuries sustained during an encounter with the South African National Defence Force on April 20 in Port Elizabeth, while Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew was found dead at the Pretoria Central Mortuary on April 20 after an alleged interaction with Tshwane Metro Police.
The Nigerian government has since summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner and begun arrangements for voluntary repatriation of citizens. As of May 3, 130 Nigerians had registered with the Nigerian mission in South Africa for evacuation flights, with officials expecting the number to rise ahead of another planned demonstration scheduled for May 4-8.
While NANS leaders at home have taken a hardline stance, the National Association of Nigerian Students in Diaspora has urged calm among Nigerian students in South Africa. In a separate statement, NANS Diaspora President Comrade Juwon Fayomi condemned “all forms of violence, discrimination and xenophobia” and called on students to remain vigilant but avoid confrontation. “You are ambassadors of Nigeria,” the statement read, urging students to “reflect discipline, responsibility and respect for the laws of their host country.”
Fayomi also called on South African authorities and security agencies to ensure the protection of all residents, including international students, and appealed to the Nigerian High Commission and the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intensify diplomatic engagement. “Diplomacy remains the most responsible path, but it must be proactive, firm, and result-oriented. Nigerian lives must not be left to bureaucratic delay,” the group said.
The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg has also issued a security advisory ahead of the May 4 protests, warning citizens to avoid demonstrators and consider temporarily closing businesses as foreign-owned shops could become targets. “All Nigerian nationals are strongly advised to avoid engaging any demonstrators or confronting them,” the advisory stated.
