The Nigeria Police Force has urged Nigerians to remain calm following reports of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
The police warned that it would arrest and prosecute anyone involved in retaliatory attacks against South African citizens, businesses, or diplomatic facilities in Nigeria.
The warning appeared in a public security statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, at the force Headquarters in Abuja.
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The police high command disclosed that the Federal Government had already begun engaging relevant authorities through diplomatic and intelligence channels to safeguard Nigerians living in South Africa.
The development followed a Joint Intelligence Board meeting held on May 18, 2026, where security and intelligence chiefs reviewed regional developments and strengthened protective measures.
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The police also assured Nigerians that security and intelligence agencies were closely monitoring the situation, urging citizens not to panic or resort to unlawful actions.
“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,” Placid said.
“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.”
Placid stressed that Nigeria remains governed by the rule of law and that all foreign nationals and businesses operating legally in the country enjoy constitutional protection.
He warned that the police would not tolerate acts of vandalism, intimidation, hate speech, or attacks targeting South African individuals or businesses in Nigeria.
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He also cautioned citizens against spreading unverified videos, images, or inflammatory messages online, warning that misinformation could escalate tensions and undermine diplomatic efforts.
“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,” the force PRO stated.
“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.”
He noted that the police, alongside other security agencies, had intensified surveillance and patrol operations around vulnerable locations across the country.
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According to him, security personnel had increased monitoring around foreign missions, international business premises, and other critical infrastructure to prevent possible attacks and maintain public order.
Placid thanked Nigerians for their cooperation and encouraged citizens to continue their lawful daily activities without fear.
He assured the public that security agencies remained committed to maintaining peace and stability nationwide.
