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The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has urged the government of South Africa to step up protection for Nigerians and other black immigrants following reports of renewed xenophobic violence.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 29, NIDCOM Chairman/CEO Abike Dabiri-Erewa warned that the situation had worsened despite earlier diplomatic engagements between both countries.

According to the commission, recent reports suggest children of Nigerian descent are now afraid to attend school, while business owners are reluctant to open their shops for fear of looting, harassment and targeted attacks. Community leaders have also documented fresh incidents of violence and intimidation within the past 72 hours.

NIDCOM appealed to South African authorities to take “urgent and visible steps” to safeguard foreign nationals, citing obligations under international law and African Union protocols on free movement and human rights.

The commission rejected what it described as the profiling of Nigerians, stressing that crime should be treated as an individual matter. “Crime has no nationality,” the statement said, adding that offenders should be prosecuted under South African law rather than entire communities being stigmatised.

Among its demands, NIDCOM called for increased police patrols in areas where Nigerians live and work, swift arrests and prosecutions of perpetrators, and the creation of a joint Nigeria-South Africa community safety forum involving police, city officials and diaspora leaders.

The commission also urged South African authorities to issue clear public messages condemning xenophobia and stereotyping.

Nigerians living in South Africa were advised to remain law-abiding and avoid high-risk areas after dark. NIDCOM said it is in contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the consulate in Johannesburg, and Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

While condemning the attacks, the commission praised the majority of South Africans who continue to live peacefully with other Africans, expressing confidence in the longstanding ties between both nations and pledging continued diplomatic engagement to protect Nigerians abroad.

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The Nigeria Police Force has ordered the dismissal and prosecution of officers involved in the fatal shooting of Mr. Mene Ogidi in Effurun, Delta State, following the tragic incident that occurred on April 26, 2026.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, directed the immediate withdrawal of all officers linked to the incident from the Delta State Command to Force Headquarters, Abuja, where they underwent accelerated disciplinary proceedings.

The statement revealed that the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC), after a thorough review, found that the principal officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, acted in gross violation of Force Order 237 and other established regulations guiding the use of firearms.

The committee described his actions as unlawful, unprofessional, and a serious betrayal of the oath sworn to protect lives and uphold the law.

Following the findings, the FDC recommended the immediate dismissal of ASP Nuhu Usman and other officers found culpable in the incident.

The Inspector-General of Police has since approved the recommendation and forwarded it to the Police Service Commission for ratification in line with due process.

The Force also confirmed that upon completion of the administrative procedures, the affected officers would be handed over to the appropriate judicial authorities for prosecution over their roles in the extrajudicial killing.

Reaffirming the Force’s stance, the IGP stated that the Nigeria Police Force maintains zero tolerance for extrajudicial actions and abuse of power, stressing that no officer has the right to take life outside the provisions of the law.

He emphasized that any officer found violating this principle would face the full weight of disciplinary and legal consequences.

The Inspector-General also extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, Mr. Mene Ogidi, assuring them that the matter would not be treated lightly and that justice would be served transparently to restore public confidence.

He urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding, while assuring citizens of the Force’s commitment to professionalism, discipline, and the protection of the rights and dignity of all Nigerians.

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President Bola Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, following the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to participate in the 2027 elections.

Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu previously served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A statement by Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said the President also nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as the new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to Senate confirmation.

“Until his nomination, Ambassador Enikanolaiye, from Kogi State, served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.

“Enikanolaiye is a distinguished diplomat and seasoned public servant with over three decades of exemplary service in Nigeria’s foreign service. He has previously served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and held key diplomatic postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.

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“The President noted that these appointments are part of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture for greater efficiency, strategic engagement, and stronger global partnerships.

“President Tinubu congratulates the appointees and urges them to work diligently to promote Nigeria’s national interest, advance economic diplomacy, foster regional stability, and safeguard the welfare of Nigerians at home and abroad,” he said.