The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has cautioned members of the public against carrying out reprisal attacks on South African nationals, businesses, and diplomatic interests in Nigeria, following the recent wave of xenophobic violence against Nigerians in South Africa.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by police spokesman Anthony Placid, the NPF acknowledged public anger over the attacks but urged Nigerians to allow due process to take its course rather than respond with violence.
“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 statement read.
The police warned that reprisal attacks, intimidation, destruction of property, hate speech, or any conduct threatening public peace would be treated as criminal offences and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. It also reminded the public that all persons lawfully residing in Nigeria, regardless of nationality, are entitled to legal protection.
Placid further cautioned against the spread of unverified or inflammatory content on social media, warning that such material could escalate tensions, disturb public order, and undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the situation.
The NPF said it was working closely with other security and intelligence agencies, with enhanced surveillance and deployments already in place around foreign missions, critical national assets, and other key locations across the country.
“Adequate deployments have been made to prevent any breakdown of law and order,” Placid stated.
