The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned that anyone who targets South African nationals or businesses in Nigeria in retaliation for recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa will face legal consequences.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Anthony Placid, the force spokesperson, said the police had received reports of possible reprisal attacks against South African citizens, businesses, and interests across Nigeria.
“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 said.
“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.
“Consequently, 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 police also cautioned citizens against spreading unverified, inflammatory, or provocative information, particularly on social media, noting that such content could heighten tensions, disrupt public order, and undermine diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the crisis.
Placid said the NPF is working closely with other security and intelligence agencies and has strengthened security around critical national infrastructure, foreign missions, and other strategic locations.
“Adequate deployments have been made to prevent any breakdown of law and order,” he added.
The warning comes after reports that at least two Nigerians were killed in renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, recently disclosed that the federal government is making arrangements to repatriate Nigerians who wish to leave South Africa because of the attacks.