MTN Nigeria shuts down outlets, service centers "until further notice"

MTN has announced that it is shutting down its Nigeria operations until further notice.

A typical MTN shop. The South African firm has announced a closure of its Nigeria operations until further notice (NAN)

The Nigeria division of South African telecoms company, MTN, has announced that it is closing shop until further notice, following reprisal attacks targeting its offices and facilities in Nigeria by irate and opportunistic locals.

The retaliatory attacks on a host of South African businesses in Nigeria arrive on the heels of persistent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.

The latest attacks in South Africa led to the torching and looting of over 50 shops--most of whom belonged to Nigerians.

MTN condemns violence, prejudice

“Over the last day, our facilities, customers and some of our stakeholders have been the subject of attacks in retaliation for the ongoing xenophobia situation in South Africa. We have confirmed reports of attacks in Lagos, Ibadan and Uyo.

An MTN signpost. The firm retains a chunk of the Nigerian telecom market (MTN Uganda)