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| Nigerians protest after Springs kidnapping incident |
Seven Nigerians were attacked and one, Ani Silas, was kidnapped by unknown assailants in Springs, Gauteng in late April 2025. This happened on a Thursday afternoon at Silas’s workplace. The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) strongly condemned the “brutal attack” and demanded justice. According to NUSA’s account, Silas was beaten unconscious and forcibly taken away by an employee of a local television station. The assailant was backed by a camera crew, private guards and even officers from the South African Police Service (SAPS) crime-prevention unit stationed at the local police station. Witnesses filmed the incident and NUSA says the video shows SAPS officers watching without intervening.
Even as family and community members searched hospitals and morgues, Ani Silas remained missing. The case is officially registered as a kidnapping (Case No. 508/4/2025) at the Springs SAPS station, and has been referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for investigation. NUSA calls the lack of immediate action by police a “severe dereliction of duty”, suggesting possible complicity in the crime. According to the union, all seven Nigerians were victims of a “violent, xenophobic attack” on foreigners.
Nigerian union protests xenophobia: Nigerian nationals march in Lagos holding their national flag in a demonstration against attacks on Africans abroad. Title: Nigerians protest after xenophobic incidents. Alt: Crowd in Lagos waving the Nigerian flag. (Photo: Emmanuel Ikwuegbu, Unsplash)
Details of the Springs Incident
Local reports confirm that the attack took place at a shop or office on Thursday, April 25, 2025. Five to seven Nigerian men were beaten by the assailant and his team, NUSA says. Ani Silas, a Nigerian citizen, was the worst hit: the attackers beat him until he lost consciousness and then loaded him into a vehicle. According to NUSA’s publicity secretary, Akindele Olunloyo, the kidnapper was a cameraman or employee of the TV station. This man was in uniform and allegedly under the protection of his crew and hired guards.
Onlookers tried to help Silas but were held back by the group’s private security and police bodyguards. The union says video evidence clearly shows armed SAPS Crime Prevention officers present at the scene, yet doing nothing as Silas was abducted. NUSA calls this inaction shocking. “SAPS officers standing by while this heinous act was committed” amounts to “multiple criminal offences” under South African law.
Despite a city-wide search and a coordinated effort with local doctors, Silas has not been found. His family has received no word of his whereabouts. The union fears he has been taken to a secret location. NUSA notes that the kidnapping was reported immediately. A formal complaint (kidnapping Case #508/4/2025) was filed at the Springs police station on April 28. The case is now with IPID, which probes alleged police misconduct.
Reactions and Demands by NUSA
NUSA blasted the incident in a statement on April 28, 2025. The union condemned the attack as “brutal” and demanded Silas’s immediate, unconditional release. It urged South African authorities to hold all perpetrators accountable. This includes arresting the kidnapper, his accomplices, and even the police officers who stood by. “We demand the immediate arrest and suspension of the SAPS officers who failed to prevent the attack,” the statement said.
NUSA highlighted a pattern of violence. It urged a full probe into the assailant’s role in past attacks on Nigerians. The union noted that under South African law, acts like torture, assault and kidnapping are strictly illegal. Specifically, it quoted the Prevention and Combating of Torture of Persons Act 13 of 2013, which bars such crimes. It reminded the public that the South African Constitution and international human rights laws guarantee the safety of all foreigners.
The union’s president, Smart Nwobi, spoke emotionally for Nigerians across South Africa. He urged Nigerians in the country to stay calm but vigilant. He said NUSA is working with Nigeria’s diplomatic missions, human rights organizations and even the African Union on Silas’s case. He warned that if Silas was not freed by 12 noon Tuesday (April 30), Nigerians in Springs would peacefully occupy the local police station in protest. He added that the union would use all legal means to secure justice, not just for Silas but for any Nigerian victim of xenophobic violence.
Official Government Responses
As of late April 2025, neither the Nigerian nor South African governments had publicly commented on the Springs incident. However, both governments have acted strongly after similar past events. For example, after the 2019 xenophobic riots in Johannesburg, Nigeria’s president Muhammadu Buhari called for evacuations and sent a special envoy to Pretoria. The government arranged free flights to bring home hundreds of Nigerians from South Africa. In 2019, Nigeria also recalled its High Commissioner from South Africa and even skipped a major summit there, to show its “serious displeasure” over attacks on its citizens.
South African officials have publicly condemned past violence against immigrants. In September 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa said he would not allow “lawlessness” to disrupt peace, and urged police to act with “vigilance and firmness”. Amnesty and foreign affairs officials on both sides often issue travel advisories and warnings. The NUSA and Nigerian diaspora groups are in contact with both governments, hoping for a swift resolution to Silas’s case.
Johannesburg cityscape at dusk: A view of Johannesburg’s skyline, featuring the iconic Telkom Hillbrow Tower, illustrates the setting of many past xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Title: Johannesburg skyline with Hillbrow Tower. Alt: Cityscape of downtown Johannesburg with telecommunications tower in twilight. (Photo: Simon Hurry, Unsplash)
Broader Context: Xenophobic Violence in South Africa
South Africa has a long history of violence against foreign nationals. Tensions often flare in poor urban areas. Analysts note that tough economic times and political rhetoric sometimes turn into mob attacks. For instance, research shows that as far back as 2008, dozens of migrants were killed in riots. NUSA reminds everyone that 62 foreign people died in 2008, about 7 in 2015, and at least 12 in 2019 during xenophobic unrest. In each wave, shops and homes owned by Nigerians and other African nationals were looted and burnt, and victims have often received little justice.
After the 2019 violence, Nigerians abroad protested by burning tires and closing businesses. Local media reported that Nigeria’s telecom firm MTN even shut its stores in the country for safety. The federal government demanded South Africa protect Nigerians and considered recalling its own ambassador. Nigerian leaders said they would not send their vice president to a meeting in South Africa under such a climate. All this shows how seriously both governments view the safety of citizens abroad.
Analysts warn that these incidents reflect deeper tensions. Reuters noted in 2015 that Nigeria and South Africa, Africa’s two largest economies, are in a kind of “sibling rivalry” for influence. Commentators wrote that the countries are “locked in a fierce struggle” to be sub-Saharan Africa’s top power. In that view, anti-immigrant attacks strain diplomatic ties and spark tit-for-tat actions. Human Rights Watch has also criticized South African officials. It points out that past xenophobic attacks often went unpunished, with “virtually no one” brought to justice. HRW urges the government to change that, warning that failure to punish perpetrators invites more violence.
Many experts link xenophobia to local politics. For example, Human Rights Watch noted during recent elections that some politicians blamed immigrants for South Africa’s problems. HRW cautioned that such rhetoric is dangerous, since “xenophobic violence, including lethal violence, has been a persistent problem” in the country. It said political leaders must be careful: the electoral code forbids language that encourages violence. In short, foreign migrants like Nigerians often become scapegoats, even though study after study shows they are targeted victims, not the root cause of crime or unemployment.
Past Protections for Nigerian Citizens
Both NUSA and Nigerian authorities have tried to protect their community. NUSA regularly engages with governments. In 2019, for instance, NUSA praised President Buhari for appointing a special envoy and for having Foreign Minister Onyeama summon South Africa’s high commissioner. NUSA said these were “steps in the right direction” to pressure Pretoria to protect Nigerians. The union also meets with local police and offers legal aid to victims when it can. It pushes for Nigerian associations and businesses in South Africa to be insured against attacks.
The Nigerian government has several tools. In addition to evacuating citizens and recalling diplomats after major attacks, it maintains the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM). NiDCOM issues travel advisories and can coordinate welfare efforts. It sometimes organizes meeting or hotlines; for example, in 2019 it launched a safety app (called “Safe Bus”) for migrants to report issues in South Africa. Nigerian embassies also encourage citizens to register with them. In 2022 and 2024, when anti-immigrant protests (“Operation Dudula”) caused fears among Nigerians, NUSA urged Nigerians to stay calm and report threats to the embassy.
The Nigerian Foreign Ministry and diaspora leaders often hold press conferences or release statements when attacks occur. They also work with regional bodies. For instance, NUSA has engaged with the African Union’s diaspora office to demand action. These efforts raise awareness and sometimes lead to diplomatic talks.
Police station sign: A classic blue police lamp marked “Police Station” at dusk. It symbolizes law enforcement authority, which Nigerians in South Africa hope will protect them after this kidnapping. Title: Traditional police station lantern with blue light. Alt: Old street lamp sign labeled “POLICE STATION” illuminated at night. (Photo: Bruno Martins, Unsplash)
Safety Tips for Nigerians Abroad
To stay safe, Nigerians living in South Africa (and anywhere abroad) should follow common-sense precautions:
Register and stay connected. Always register your presence at the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate when you arrive in a new country. Keep their contact info handy. Join local Nigerian community groups like NUSA for news and support.
Keep identity safe. Carry a copy of your passport and visa separately from the originals. Store your documents in a safe place or use hotel lockers. Carry only what you need and take photos of your papers in case of loss.
Stay aware of your surroundings. Be alert, especially in unfamiliar areas. Check local news and social media for reports of unrest. Avoid crowds or protests of any kind. If you hear of planned demonstrations (e.g. anti-immigrant marches), stay away from those locations.
Travel with others. Whenever possible, move around with friends or family, especially at night. There is safety in numbers. Tell someone you trust where you are going and when you will return.
Learn local emergency numbers. In South Africa, dial 10111 for police or 112 for any emergency (even from a mobile). Keep these numbers in your phone and written down. Also keep your Nigerian embassy’s phone number ready.
Respect local laws and customs. Do not engage in illegal activities, and respect local cultural norms. Dress modestly in conservative areas if required. Avoid confrontations with strangers. If someone harasses you, do not fight back physically – seek help or call the police.
Be careful online. Do not share provocative opinions or posts that could inflame local sensitivities. Stay professional on social media. Avoid joining social media groups that organize rallies or share hate messages.
Have a plan. Know the address of the nearest police station and hospital. If threatened, go directly to the police station rather than trying to negotiate with attackers. Save the address of the Nigerian embassy on your phone map apps.
Seek support if needed. If you face violence or discrimination, report it to NUSA or other Nigerian community groups. They often know lawyers or contacts who can help. Also inform the police and your embassy/consulate. Do not feel ashamed to ask for help when in danger.
By taking these precautions, Nigerians abroad can reduce risks. Migrants face challenges everywhere, but communities like NUSA emphasize that vigilance and unity help keep people safer.
Keep identity safe. Carry a copy of your passport and visa separately from the originals. Store your documents in a safe place or use hotel lockers. Carry only what you need and take photos of your papers in case of loss.
Stay aware of your surroundings. Be alert, especially in unfamiliar areas. Check local news and social media for reports of unrest. Avoid crowds or protests of any kind. If you hear of planned demonstrations (e.g. anti-immigrant marches), stay away from those locations.
Travel with others. Whenever possible, move around with friends or family, especially at night. There is safety in numbers. Tell someone you trust where you are going and when you will return.
Learn local emergency numbers. In South Africa, dial 10111 for police or 112 for any emergency (even from a mobile). Keep these numbers in your phone and written down. Also keep your Nigerian embassy’s phone number ready.
Respect local laws and customs. Do not engage in illegal activities, and respect local cultural norms. Dress modestly in conservative areas if required. Avoid confrontations with strangers. If someone harasses you, do not fight back physically – seek help or call the police.
Be careful online. Do not share provocative opinions or posts that could inflame local sensitivities. Stay professional on social media. Avoid joining social media groups that organize rallies or share hate messages.
Have a plan. Know the address of the nearest police station and hospital. If threatened, go directly to the police station rather than trying to negotiate with attackers. Save the address of the Nigerian embassy on your phone map apps.
Seek support if needed. If you face violence or discrimination, report it to NUSA or other Nigerian community groups. They often know lawyers or contacts who can help. Also inform the police and your embassy/consulate. Do not feel ashamed to ask for help when in danger.
By taking these precautions, Nigerians abroad can reduce risks. Migrants face challenges everywhere, but communities like NUSA emphasize that vigilance and unity help keep people safer.