By Chinedu Echianu
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 reported xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
The protest, scheduled for today Wednesday, August 5, 2026, was postponed following a security briefing by the Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday.
In a statement signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu, the group said the DSS warned that other organisations, including the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), the Take It Back Movement and RevolutionNow, were also planning protests on the same day.
According to the Forum, the DSS expressed concern that its peaceful demonstration could be infiltrated or hijacked by elements outside its control, potentially leading to a breakdown of law and order and exposing the youth leaders to public blame.
Following the briefing, the Forum said its leadership convened an emergency virtual meeting with members, many of whom had already travelled to Abuja for the protest.
It said members unanimously agreed that postponing the action was in the overriding interest of national peace, public safety and the country.
The Forum stressed that the postponement did not amount to a withdrawal of its concerns or demands, insisting that it remained committed to defending the rights, dignity and safety of Nigerians, particularly youths, living in South Africa.
It demanded an end to xenophobic attacks against Nigerians, justice and adequate compensation for victims, the identification and prosecution of perpetrators, and stronger measures by the Nigerian and South African governments to protect the lives and property of Nigerian citizens in South Africa.
The youth leaders also said the DSS briefed them on ongoing diplomatic and governmental efforts by the Federal Government to address the crisis, engage South African authorities and support affected Nigerians.
The Forum said a new date for the protest would be announced if the situation was not resolved, following further consultations with relevant stakeholders.
It urged Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding while expressing appreciation to youths, civil society organisations and other Nigerians who had demonstrated solidarity with the planned protest.
