Three militant groups in the Niger Delta region, the Niger Delta Watchdogs (NDW), the Niger Delta Volunteers (NDV), and the Niger Delta Strike Force (NDSF), have called on the Federal Government to close down all South African firms operating in Nigeria within the next one month, following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians residing in
South Africa.
In a letter to the South African High Commission in Nigeria, dated March 1, 2017, the militant groups, listed some of the firms owned and operated by South Africans to include, MTN, Multi-choice, Shoprite, Eskom Nigeria, South African Breweries (SAB Miller), amongst others.
The letter, which was signed by General John Duku, General Ekpo Ekpo, and General Hart Bradford, said the groups will launch attack on South African interests in the country, including MTN mast and offices should the Federal Government fail to close down the firms at the expiration of the one month ultimatum.
The letter reads in part, “Arising from the joint meeting between the Niger Delta Watchdogs, Niger Delta Volunteers, Niger Delta Strike Force held today in Port Harcourt, we condemn the recent attacks on Nigerians in South Africa; our attention has also been drawn to the series of unprovoked attacks, looting, shutting down of business premises/offices own by Nigerians, killings and maiming of Nigerian nationals living in South Africa.
“It is now clear that the attack which the South African police are shielding the criminals and even join them in looting and killing Nigerians shows that South African government want to eliminate Nigerians in her territory by all means.”