The Nigerian Union in South Africa has issued a security advisory urging Nigerians across the country to exercise heightened caution ahead of demonstrations planned for September 30 by the March and March Movement.
NUSA President-General Dr Smart Nwobi advised Nigerians to stay away from expected protest locations and large gatherings, avoid confrontations and ensure their immigration documents are valid and safely kept as tensions surrounding undocumented migration continue.
Nigerians Told to Avoid September 30 Protest Zones
The March and March Movement has designated September 30 for another nationwide mobilisation focused on undocumented foreign nationals in South Africa.
The planned action follows demonstrations held on June 30, when thousands participated in anti-illegal-immigration protests. The September mobilisation has been presented as a repeat of that nationwide action.
Against that backdrop, NUSA has urged Nigerians to monitor developments closely and avoid locations where demonstrations or unusually large crowds are expected.
“NUSA urges all Nigerians and members of the Nigerian community in South Africa to remain calm, vigilant and safety-conscious,” Nwobi said.
Union Urges Nigerians to Keep Immigration Documents Valid
The advisory also places particular emphasis on documentation.
Nigerians were encouraged to ensure that passports, visas, permits and other immigration documents remained valid and were securely stored.
NUSA stressed the importance of distinguishing concerns surrounding undocumented immigration from the status of foreign nationals who are legally resident in South Africa and comply with the country’s laws.
The September 30 deadline promoted by the March and March Movement is an activist demand rather than an official South African government deportation order.
Nigerians Warned Against Confronting Protesters
Nwobi strongly discouraged Nigerians from responding violently if they encounter provocation.
“No Nigerian should take the law into his own hands. We must not respond to provocation with violence or engage in activities capable of putting ourselves, our families or the wider Nigerian community at risk,” he said.
NUSA instead advised community members to comply with lawful instructions issued by the South African Police Service and other authorised law-enforcement agencies.
Nigerians travelling through potentially affected areas were also encouraged to keep relatives or trusted contacts informed about their movements when necessary.
Threats and Intimidation Should Be Reported Immediately
The union urged Nigerians who experience threats, attacks or intimidation to report incidents promptly to the appropriate South African authorities.
Suspicious activities should similarly be reported rather than confronted directly.
Where necessary, NUSA said incidents could also be brought to the attention of its leadership so the organisation can respond through established channels.
The union’s emphasis remains on avoiding escalation as the September 30 demonstrations approach.
Nigerian Mission and South African Authorities Engaged
NUSA said it was already engaging relevant officials over the situation.
According to Nwobi, discussions involve the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, including the High Commission in Pretoria and the Consul General’s Office, as well as appropriate South African authorities.
The engagements are aimed at strengthening vigilance, protecting lives and property and encouraging a peaceful resolution to concerns surrounding immigration.
NUSA Calls for Continued Diplomatic Pressure
The union also urged Nigerian diplomatic officials not to relax their engagement with South African authorities.
“We urge the Nigerian Mission not to relent in its efforts to engage the South African authorities and utilise every diplomatic means available to prevent violence, protect Nigerian lives and property, and ensure that the rights of Nigerians living lawfully in South Africa are respected,” Nwobi said.
Concerns surrounding the September deadline have already prompted some Nigerians to leave South Africa. Separate repatriation initiatives have brought groups of Nigerians home in recent weeks amid fears surrounding anti-immigration demonstrations.
Nigerians Warned Against Spreading Unverified Videos and Messages
NUSA also addressed the risk of misinformation increasing fear within Nigerian communities.
The organisation warned people against circulating unverified videos, voice notes and social-media messages that could create unnecessary panic.
With tensions already elevated, the union said information should be verified before being shared.
NUSA said it would continue monitoring developments surrounding the September 30 demonstrations and issue additional guidance if circumstances change.
Tenth Woman’s Body Found in Ekurhuleni
The immigration tensions are unfolding as South Africa also confronts growing concern over violence against women following another disturbing discovery in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg.
Police confirmed on Saturday, September 26, that another woman’s body had been discovered in Tembisa South.
The latest discovery brings to 10 the number of women’s bodies found across Ekurhuleni over approximately two months.
Partly Clothed Body Discovered at Tembisa Cemetery
The latest victim was discovered at Mooifontein Cemetery in the Vusimusi section of Tembisa South.
Local reports described the woman as partly or semi-naked.
Police spokeswoman Brigadier Brenda Muridili said authorities could initially confirm only the discovery, with crime-scene personnel deployed to investigate.
“At this stage, we can only confirm the discovery of the body. Crime scene management and all the necessary role players are currently on the scene,” Muridili said.
Police had not immediately released the woman’s identity or established the circumstances surrounding her death.
Police Investigate Possible Links Between Women’s Deaths
The latest discovery has intensified scrutiny of a series of deaths involving women in Ekurhuleni.
Several previous victims were women in their 20s and 30s, and some were reportedly discovered without clothing and with indications of sexual assault.
The first of the recent cases cited in reports involved a 37-year-old woman whose body was discovered naked and restrained with cable ties on July 15. A suspect was arrested two days later.
Two women, aged 31 and 38, were also arrested in connection with the ninth victim and subsequently charged. Police indicated that particular case could have arisen from a relationship-related dispute.
Authorities are examining whether any of the deaths are connected, but police have not established that all 10 women were victims of the same perpetrator or network.
Killings Intensify South Africa’s Gender-Based Violence Concerns
The discoveries have further intensified debate about violence against women in South Africa, where gender-based violence has remained a major national concern.
The government declared gender-based violence and femicide a national crisis in November 2025 amid continuing pressure for stronger measures to protect women.
For Nigerians living in South Africa, the broader security environment adds another layer of concern as September 30 approaches.
NUSA’s message is therefore centred on precaution: stay away from protest hotspots, keep immigration documents in order, avoid confrontations, report threats to authorities and rely on verified information while Nigerian diplomatic officials continue engaging their South African counterparts.
