Abuja – The President-elect, retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, on Saturday expressed full support to the steps taken by the Nigerian government to protect its citizens from xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

This is contained in a statement issued by Malam Garba Shehu, Director Media and Publicity, All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation, in Abuja.

“Nigeria’s Head of Mission in Pretoria had taken the right steps by advising the Nigerian community in South Africa to close their shops, stay at home and keep out of trouble.

“Nigerians in South Africa should obey the laws of their host country,’’ the statement quoted Buhari as saying.

According to the statement, we equally understand that the South African government is making efforts to bring an end to this unfortunate situation.

“In the meantime, Nigerians in South Africa should abide by the words of caution extended to them by their government representative in Pretoria.

“I am happy to see that the Nigerian government is very well aware of its responsibilities to its citizens in South Africa,’’ the statement stated.

Buhari, in the statement, commended the Nigerian government for its decision to monitor the situation in South Africa and evacuate its citizens at any sign of escalation.

The statement expressed the president’s -elect sadness at the unfolding events in South Africa, recalling Nigeria’s friendly relations to the country since the end of apartheid.