Police warn against reprisal attacks as FG moves to address xenophobic attacks in South Africa

Police warn against reprisal attacks as FG moves to address xenophobic attacks in South Africa

The Nigeria Police Force has called for calm across the country following reports of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa, saying authorities are making sure Nigerians in South Africa are safe.

It warned that any attempt to launch retaliatory attacks against South African nationals, businesses, or diplomatic interests in Nigeria would be treated as a criminal offence.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Anthony Placid, Force Public Relations Officer, said the Federal Government was actively engaging relevant authorities through diplomatic, intelligence, and security channels to address the situation and safeguard the interests of Nigerians both at home and abroad.

The police intervention comes amid growing concerns over reported attacks on Nigerians residing in South Africa and fears that the incidents could trigger tensions or reprisals within Nigeria.

According to the police, security and intelligence agencies reviewed the situation extensively during a Joint Intelligence Board meeting held on May 18, 2026, under the chairmanship of Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser.

According to the statement, the meeting assessed the security implications of the developments and considered appropriate response measures.

Following the review, the Force assured Nigerians that there was no immediate cause for alarm, stressing that government institutions were actively managing the situation.

“The Federal Government is actively engaging relevant authorities and stakeholders through diplomatic, intelligence, and security channels to resolve the situation peacefully and protect the interests of Nigerians at home and abroad,” the statement said.

The police acknowledged public concerns over the welfare and safety of Nigerians living in South Africa but urged citizens to remain law-abiding and avoid taking matters into their own hands.

The Force warned that acts of violence, intimidation, destruction of property, hate speech, or any conduct capable of threatening public peace and national security would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

It emphasized that Nigeria remains a nation governed by the rule of law and that all individuals lawfully residing within the country, regardless of nationality, are entitled to legal protection.

The police further cautioned that any attempt to target South African nationals, diplomatic facilities, businesses, or other legitimate South African interests in Nigeria would attract the full weight of the law.

“Any attempt to target South African nationals, diplomatic facilities, businesses, or other lawful interests within Nigeria will be treated as a criminal act and dealt with in accordance with extant laws,” the statement added.

The Nigeria Police Force disclosed that it had strengthened collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies and put additional security measures in place nationwide.

These measures include increased surveillance around critical national infrastructure, foreign missions, and other strategic locations considered vulnerable to potential attacks.

The Force said adequate personnel had also been deployed to maintain public order and ensure the protection of lives and property.

The police also expressed concern over the spread of misinformation and inflammatory content, particularly on social media platforms, warning that unverified reports and provocative messages could worsen tensions and undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Citizens were urged to refrain from sharing false, inciting, or inflammatory information and to rely only on verified sources for updates regarding the situation.

Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining peace and security across the country, the Nigeria Police Force encouraged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant, and continue their lawful activities without fear.