Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned Nigerians against carrying out reprisal attacks on South African nationals, businesses and diplomatic interests in the country following renewed xenophobic violence against foreigners in South Africa.
Gatekeepers News reports that the warning comes amid growing concerns over reports of attacks targeting Nigerians and other African migrants in parts of South Africa.
According to reports, at least two Nigerians were recently killed during the latest wave of violence, while community groups say more than 100 Nigerians have lost their lives in xenophobic-related incidents in the country over the past seven years.
In a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the police said security and intelligence agencies had reviewed the situation and put measures in place to prevent any breakdown of law and order in Nigeria.
The statement said: “The Nigeria Police Force assures Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm.” It added that the Federal Government is engaging relevant authorities through diplomatic, intelligence and security channels to address the situation and protect Nigerians at home and abroad.
The police stressed that while public anger over the attacks is understandable, citizens must not take the law into their own hands.
According to the statement, “Reprisal attacks, violence, intimidation, destruction of property, hate speech, or any conduct that threatens public peace and national security are unlawful and will not be tolerated.”
The NPF further warned that any attempt to target South African nationals or businesses operating in Nigeria would be treated as a criminal offence.
“Nigeria remains a nation governed by the rule of law,” the statement noted, adding that all persons lawfully residing in the country are entitled to protection under Nigerian laws.
The force also urged Nigerians to avoid sharing unverified or inflammatory information on social media, warning that false reports could escalate tensions and undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the crisis peacefully.
Security has reportedly been strengthened around key national assets, foreign missions and other sensitive locations across the country.
The latest warning follows renewed anti-immigrant protests in South Africa that have forced some foreign nationals to seek evacuation, with neighbouring countries closely monitoring the situation.
