The Forum of National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria (FNYLPPN) has postponed its planned warning protest against South Africans in Nigeria over the continued xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa.
The protest, initially scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2026, was suspended following a security advisory from the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Forum and National Youth Leader of APGA, Hon. Comrade Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu, the group said the decision was reached after its leadership honoured an invitation from the DSS on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the DSS informed the Forum that other groups, including the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as the El-Zakzaky group, and the Take It Back Movement/Revolution Now, were also planning protests on the same day.
The agency warned that holding multiple demonstrations simultaneously could create security challenges and increase the risk of the Forum’s peaceful protest being infiltrated or hijacked by individuals with different motives.
Following the briefing, the Forum convened an emergency virtual meeting with its members, including those who had already travelled from different parts of the country to Abuja in preparation for the protest.
After deliberations, the group resolved to postpone the demonstration in the interest of national peace and public safety.
“After careful deliberation, we unanimously resolved that it is in the overriding interest of the country, public safety and national peace, that we should postpone the protest. For our forum it’s Nigeria and the integrity of our Forum first before every other consideration.”
The Forum stressed that its decision should not be interpreted as abandoning its concerns over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.
It maintained that its objective has always been to advocate for the protection of Nigerians abroad through lawful and peaceful means.
“The postponement of this protest does not amount to a withdrawal of our concerns or demands. Our commitment to defending the rights, dignity and safety of Nigerians everywhere, especially the youths remains unwavering.”
The group also disclosed that the DSS briefed its leadership on ongoing diplomatic efforts by the Federal Government to engage South African authorities and provide support for affected Nigerians.
It expressed appreciation for those efforts and expressed hope that they would lead to a lasting resolution of the crisis.
The Forum reiterated its demands, calling for an end to xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, justice and compensation for victims, accountability for perpetrators, and stronger cooperation between the Nigerian and South African governments to protect the lives and property of Nigerians residing in the country.
It added that a new date for the protest would be announced if the situation remains unresolved after further consultations with relevant stakeholders.
The statement also thanked Nigerian youths, civil society organisations and other supporters who had mobilised for the demonstration, urging them to remain peaceful and law-abiding.