Africa’s largest telecoms provider, MTN Group, has threatened to shut down its facilities in Nigeria should it become subject to any attacks from locals. The mobile operator fears that it could become a victim of retaliation following xenophobic violence targeting immigrants in South Africa.

However, a complete closure by MTN, which employs more than 6000 Nigerians, could spark an chaos within the country’s labour market. MTN has already witnessed series of demonstrations in its Benin and Abuja offices, and a feeling of uneasiness over a possible attack on its facilities is gradually creeping in.

Other non-violent modes of protest, like boycotting companies like MTN and Shoprite, have also been suggested by those aggrieved by the happenings in South Africa. But the telco has insisted that boycotting its services will affect other businesses, as it supports quite a number of these across the length and breadth of Nigeria. “Many of the businesses that are affiliated to South Africa are in the retail space, supporting the growth of Nigeria and employing so many Nigerians.”

The telecommunications company has spent $15 billion on building and expanding its business in Nigeria.