The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned that anyone involved in retaliatory attacks against South African nationals, businesses, or interests in Nigeria will face prosecution, following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa.
In a statement issued on Sunday, police spokesperson Anthony Placid said the force had received reports of growing concerns over possible reprisals in Nigeria after fresh violence against Nigerians in South Africa.
According to Placid, while public anger over the attacks is understandable, taking the law into one’s own hands is unacceptable.
“While concerns about attacks on Nigerians in South Africa are understandable, the public is strongly advised not to take the law into their own hands,” he said.
The police stressed that acts such as violence, intimidation, destruction of property, hate speech, or any action capable of threatening public peace and national security remain criminal offences.
“Reprisal attacks, violence, intimidation, destruction of property, hate speech, or any conduct that threatens public peace and national security is unlawful and will not be tolerated,” the statement added.
The NPF reiterated that Nigeria is governed by the rule of law and that all individuals legally residing in the country, regardless of nationality, are entitled to protection.
The force warned that any attempt to target South African citizens, diplomatic missions, businesses, or other lawful interests in Nigeria would be treated as a criminal act and prosecuted under existing laws.
The police also urged Nigerians to avoid spreading unverified or inflammatory content, particularly on social media, warning that false information could worsen tensions, disrupt public order, and complicate diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the situation.
Placid disclosed that the NPF is working closely with other security and intelligence agencies to prevent any breakdown of law and order. He said security measures have been strengthened around critical national infrastructure, foreign missions, and other sensitive locations.
“Adequate deployments have been made to prevent any breakdown of law and order,” he said.
The warning comes after reports that at least two Nigerians were killed in South Africa during a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks.
Meanwhile, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the federal government is prepared to repatriate citizens who wish to leave South Africa because of the violence.
