The Nigeria Police Force has cautioned Nigerians against taking the law into their own hands over xenophobic attacks in South Africa, stressing that any retaliatory violence or destruction of property in Nigeria will be treated as a criminal offence.
The Force warning is on the heels of reported attacks on Nigerians in South Africa and growing concerns over possible reprisals targeting South African nationals, businesses and interests within Nigeria.
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid in a statement on Saturday said security and intelligence agencies had already reviewed the situation and put in place measures to prevent any threat to public peace and national security.
Placid assured Nigerians that there was no cause for alarm, noting that the Federal Government was actively engaging relevant authorities and stakeholders through diplomatic, intelligence and security channels to address the situation.
“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to reassure members of the public that there is no cause for alarm. The Federal Government is actively engaging relevant authorities and stakeholders through diplomatic, intelligence and security channels to ensure that the situation is resolved peacefully and that the interests of Nigerians, both at home and abroad, are adequately protected,” Placid said.
He explained that the matter received extensive attention during a Joint Intelligence Board Meeting chaired by the National Security Adviser on May 18, 2026, where security agencies conducted a comprehensive review of the reports and their potential implications for Nigeria’s internal security.
”Following a thorough assessment by security and intelligence agencies, necessary measures have been activated to forestall any threat to public peace, maintain law and order, and ensure the safety of all residents and lawful interests within the country,” he stated.
While acknowledging public concerns over the reported attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, Placid urged citizens to remain calm and allow lawful and diplomatic processes to run their course.
”We understand the emotions and concerns generated by reports of attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. However, no grievance, regardless of its nature, justifies taking the law into one’s hands. Nigerians must resist any temptation to engage in acts capable of undermining public peace and national security.”
The police spokesman warned that any form of retaliatory action against South African nationals, businesses, diplomatic facilities or other lawful interests in Nigeria would not be tolerated.
”Any reprisal attack, violence, intimidation, destruction of property, hate speech or unlawful conduct directed at South African nationals, businesses, diplomatic facilities or interests within Nigeria will be treated as a criminal act and dealt with strictly in accordance with extant laws,” he stated.
”Nigeria remains a nation governed by the rule of law. Every person lawfully residing within our borders, irrespective of nationality, is entitled to protection under the law, and the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to guaranteeing that protection,” Placid added.
Placid also cautioned against the spread of misinformation, inflammatory narratives and unverified claims capable of escalating tensions and undermining ongoing diplomatic engagements.
”We urge members of the public, particularly social media users, to exercise restraint and responsibility in the dissemination of information. The circulation of unverified, provocative or inciting content can inflame passions, heighten tensions and jeopardise efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution.
“At a time like this, citizens have a responsibility to promote unity, peace and national cohesion rather than contribute to narratives that could trigger avoidable unrest,” he said.
The Force Public Relations Officer disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force, working in collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies, had already strengthened security measures around critical national assets and strategic locations across the country.
”The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with sister security and intelligence agencies, has increased surveillance and deployed adequate personnel to critical national infrastructure, foreign missions and other strategic locations to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order.
”Our officers have been directed to remain vigilant and proactive in responding to any threat to public safety. We are fully prepared to protect lives and property and to deal decisively with any individual or group seeking to exploit the situation to foment trouble,” he added.
Placid further appealed to community leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to support efforts aimed at preserving peace and preventing actions that could damage Nigeria’s international relations.
“We call on traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations, community stakeholders and all patriotic Nigerians to support ongoing efforts to maintain peace and order. National interest must always take precedence over emotions and reactions driven by anger or misinformation.”
He reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to maintaining security and protecting all persons within the country’s borders.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its constitutional responsibility to preserve law and order, protect all lawful residents and ensure that Nigeria remains a safe and secure environment for everyone. We urge the public to remain calm, law-abiding and supportive of lawful efforts to address the situation through appropriate channels,” Placid said.
