The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says anyone who attacks South African nationals or businesses in Nigeria in response to the recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in the former apartheid country will face the full wrath of the law.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Anthony Placid, the force spokesperson, said the NPFhad received concerns about possible reprisal attacks on South African nationals, businesses, and interests in 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 reads.
“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 spokesperson also urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified, inflammatory, or inciting information, especially on social media, noting that false or provocative content can escalate tensions, undermine public order, and hinder diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation.
Placid said NPF is collaborating with other security and intelligence agencies and has implemented security measures and increased surveillance around critical national assets, foreign missions, and other key locations.
“Adequate deployments have been made to prevent any breakdown of law and order,” he added.
At least two Nigerians were reported killed in South Africa in the wake of renewed xenophobic attacks in the country.
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, minister of foreign affairs, said the federal government would repatriate citizens seeking to leave South Africa as a result of the attacks.
