Nigeria's president-elect supports protection of citizens in South Africa

Nigeria's President-elect 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.

In a statement reaching Xinhua from his office in Abuja, the nation's capital city, the former military ruler said 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.

Buhari said Nigerians in South Africa should obey the laws of their host country.

"We equally understand that the South African government is making efforts to bring an end to this unfortunate situation," the statement quoted Buhari as saying.

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

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.