Police Warn Against Reprisal Attacks as FG Moves to Address Reported Xenophobic Violence in South Africa

By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has appealed for calm across the country following reports of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa, warning against any form of retaliatory action against South African nationals, businesses, diplomatic facilities, or interests within Nigeria.

The Force assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is 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 assurance was contained in a statement issued by the Nigeria Police Force and signed by DCP Anthony Okon Placid, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters Abuja, on May 30, 2026.

According to the statement, security agencies reviewed the situation extensively during a Joint Intelligence Board meeting held on May 18, 2026, under the chairmanship of the National Security Adviser, where intelligence and security stakeholders assessed the implications of the reported attacks and considered appropriate response measures.

Following the review, the police said there was no immediate cause for alarm and urged citizens to remain calm while allowing government institutions to handle the matter through established diplomatic and security mechanisms.

“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 Force acknowledged public concerns over reports of attacks on Nigerians in South Africa but cautioned against any attempt to resort to self-help or acts capable of threatening public peace.

“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,” the police stated.

The statement stressed that reprisals, violence, intimidation, destruction of property, hate speech, and any actions capable of undermining national security would be treated as criminal offences and prosecuted accordingly.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law, the police emphasized that all individuals lawfully residing in the country, regardless of nationality, are entitled to legal protection.

“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 Force warned.

The police also expressed concern over the circulation of unverified information and inflammatory content on social media, urging Nigerians to exercise restraint and verify information before sharing.

According to the statement, the spread of false or provocative content could escalate tensions, undermine public order, and complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the situation.

“The public is urged to refrain from spreading unverified, inflammatory, or inciting information, especially on social media,” the statement added.

To forestall any security breach, the Nigeria Police Force disclosed that it has intensified surveillance and deployed additional security personnel around critical national infrastructure, foreign missions, and other strategic locations across the country.

The Force said the measures were designed to prevent any breakdown of law and order and ensure the safety of residents and foreign nationals alike.

Reiterating its commitment to public safety, the police urged Nigerians to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and focused on their legitimate activities without fear.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains fully committed to protecting lives and property, preserving public peace, and maintaining national security,” the statement concluded.

The Force further assured citizens that relevant government institutions are actively managing developments surrounding the reported attacks in South Africa in the broader interest of national security and Nigeria’s international relations.