Security has been beefed up at the South African High Commission, Abuja.
This may not be unconnected to a security report which has suggested a possible attack on the embassy by angry Nigerians over the incessant attacks on Nigerians and their businesses in South Africa.
This has led to the closing down of the South African Missions in Abuja and Lagos.
The recent attacks on Nigerians and Foreigners in South Africa had led to a wave of protest and treat of reprisal by Nigerian youth.
Already some South African investment in Nigeria had come under attacks, including telecommunication giants MTN and super mart, Shoprite.
When our reporter first visited the High Commission in Abuja, there were only five security men at the gate.
But ten minutes later, two patrol vehicles of the Police and the Civil Defence Corps arrived.
The police patrol vehicle was parked directly opposite the High Commission while the Civil Defence Corps patrol vehicle was stationed adjacent to the High Commission.
Official clarification by the Mission’s Department of International Relation and Cooperation regretted the action.
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Though there has been no direct physical threat to any of our diplomats and citizens, the Minister of International Relation and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, however said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure; stressing that the Mission view their safety as a priority.
The official statement reads: “The Minister of International Relation and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has expressed her disappointment at having to take the decision to support the closure of the South African High Commission in Abuja and the Consulate in Lagos.
“Both offices were closed on Tuesday, following concerns reported to the Minister by officials at both these missions.
“This followed the receipt of threats against the mission staff as well as the property of South Africa.
“After extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders as well as a security assessment of threats, the Mission and the Department took the decision to close the offices.
“At this point, there has been no direct physical threat to any of our diplomats and citizens, however, we view their safety as a priority and have thus taken the precautionary measure of closing, while the situation remains somewhat unpredictable.
“The Minister expressed displeasure at misleading reports circulating on social media about a direct physical attack on the acting head of mission. These reports are totally false, as are reports of vandalism at the Commission in Abuja and the Consulate in Lagos.
“Our acting head of mission is in constant communication with the department and with the authorities in Nigeria, who are providing extra security at South African offices.
“The department has received reports of marches by demonstrators to South African companies as well as attempts to attack them.
“We are commutating with businesses that have branches in Nigeria and have requested their senior managers to remain in close contact with the department and the ministry.
“It is established tradition in foreign policy that diplomatic missions should enjoy protection from the host country and while we remain perturbed at the threats directed at our missions, we are grateful to note that the security forces and the government of Nigeria are upholding this long-established practice of foreign policy.
“The Minister confirmed that her directive to the Mission that links should be encouraged between the youth of SA and Nigeria and that the Nigerian student association should be invited to visit SA has been acted upon.
“Meetings have been held at the mission with the student organisation and a committee was established to continue the dialogue and work on the detail of the proposed visit.
“The department and the ministry will remain in constant contact with our representatives and will continue to assess the situation on the ground and provide feedback as new information becomes available.
“The Minister is planning to meet the African Heads of Mission to South Africa as early as next week.”
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