An angry South African soldier has accused Nigerians of being responsible for rising cases of drug trafficking, prostitution, and human trafficking in the country, during a demonstration outside the Nigerian embassy.
The protest, which took place amid growing tensions over immigration and crime, saw demonstrators demand stricter border controls and enforcement of visa regulations for foreign nationals.
The man, who spoke passionately during the protest, alleged that criminal activities involving some Nigerians were worsening insecurity and exploitation of vulnerable people, including children.
Rising tensions over crime allegations
“We are seeing our children being taken from schools and forced into prostitution across towns in South Africa. Nigerians are involved in drug trafficking and other illegal activities. They come here and hijack buildings, and our communities are no longer safe,” he said.
“They sell fake clothes on the streets, but underneath, it is drugs. This cannot continue. If they must stay here, they should have proper documentation, and after a certain period, they must leave. We are angry because our country is falling apart,” he added.
Background of xenophobic clashes
South Africa has experienced repeated waves of xenophobic violence over the years, notably in 2008, 2015, and 2019, when foreign nationals, including Nigerians, were targeted over similar allegations of crime and economic competition.
“We fought for this country, and some of us still carry wounds from the past. Now that we should be enjoying freedom, things are getting worse. South Africa belongs to us, and this must come to an end,” the protester said.
Watch the video below…
“Nigerians are the highest drug traffickers in this country, even human traffickers,”
~ Angry South African man says at a protest outside the Nigerian embassy
— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) March 31, 2026