The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has cautioned against retaliatory attacks on South Africans living in Nigeria following recent xenophobic incidents in South Africa targeting Nigerians. In a statement released on Sunday by spokesman Anthony Placid, the police warned that anyone who targets South African nationals or businesses in Nigeria will face the full force of the law.
Placid said the NPF had received concerns about possible reprisal attacks on South African nationals, businesses, and interests in Nigeria in response to the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians.
“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.
“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.
“Nigeria remains a nation governed by the rule of law. All persons lawfully residing within the country, irrespective of nationality, are entitled to protection under the law.
Any attempt to harm South African nationals, diplomatic facilities, businesses, or other legitimate interests in Nigeria will be considered a criminal act and handled according to existing laws.
Placid also urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified, inflammatory, or inciting information, especially on social media.
According to him, false or provocative content can escalate tensions, undermine public order, and hinder diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation.
He added that the police are working with other security and intelligence agencies, implementing safety measures, and stepping up surveillance around critical national assets, foreign missions, and other important locations.
“Enough personnel have been deployed to ensure there’s no disruption to law and order,” Placid said.