The Nigerian Union in South Africa has advised Nigerians living in the country to remain alert and stay away from areas where protests are expected on September 30.

The warning follows plans by the March and March Movement to hold nationwide demonstrations over the presence of undocumented foreign nationals in South Africa.

In an advisory issued on Saturday, NUSA President-General, Dr Smart Nwobi, urged Nigerians to avoid confrontations and comply with instructions from the South African police and other authorised security agencies.

He also advised Nigerians to ensure that their passports, visas, permits and other immigration documents were valid and safely kept.

Nwobi urged members of the Nigerian community to exercise particular caution when travelling through areas expected to experience demonstrations.

He encouraged Nigerians to keep family members and trusted contacts informed of their movements where necessary and to report threats, intimidation, attacks or suspicious activities to the relevant authorities or NUSA leadership.

The union also warned Nigerians against responding to provocation with violence, stressing that such actions could put individuals and the wider Nigerian community at risk.

Nwobi said Nigerians should distinguish between concerns surrounding undocumented immigration and the rights of Nigerians who are legally resident and complying with South African laws.

According to him, NUSA is working with the Nigerian diplomatic mission in South Africa, including the High Commission in Pretoria and the Consul General’s Office, as well as South African authorities, to promote safety and prevent possible violence.

He called on Nigerian diplomatic officials to continue engaging their South African counterparts and use available diplomatic channels to protect the lives and property of Nigerians in the country.

NUSA further urged Nigerians not to circulate unverified videos, voice notes or messages that could cause unnecessary panic.

The union said it would continue monitoring developments surrounding the planned protest and issue additional guidance when necessary.