The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has appealed for calm amid growing concerns over reported xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa, warning against any form of retaliatory action against South African nationals, businesses, or interests within Nigeria.
The police said the Federal Government is actively addressing the situation through diplomatic, intelligence, and security channels, assuring Nigerians that there is no immediate threat to public safety and that authorities are working to protect the interests of citizens both at home and abroad.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the NPF disclosed that security and intelligence agencies reviewed the development during a Joint Intelligence Board meeting held on May 18 and chaired by the National Security Adviser.
According to the statement, the meeting assessed the security implications of the reported attacks and considered appropriate response measures.
The police emphasized that while public concern over the welfare of Nigerians in South Africa is understandable, citizens must not resort to self-help or take the law into their own hands.
The Force warned that any reprisal attacks, acts of violence, intimidation, destruction of property, hate speech, or conduct capable of threatening public peace and national security would be treated as criminal offences.
“The Federal Government is actively engaging relevant authorities and stakeholders through diplomatic, intelligence, and security channels to resolve the situation peacefully,” the statement said.
The NPF reiterated that Nigeria remains a country governed by the rule of law and that all persons lawfully residing in the country, regardless of nationality, are entitled to legal protection.
It warned that attempts to target South African nationals, diplomatic facilities, businesses, or other lawful interests in Nigeria would attract the full weight of the law.
The Force also cautioned against the spread of unverified and inflammatory information, particularly on social media, noting that false or provocative content could worsen tensions, undermine public order, and complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts.
To forestall any potential breakdown of law and order, the police said enhanced security measures have been deployed nationwide.
These include increased surveillance around critical national infrastructure, foreign missions, and other strategic locations, as well as strengthened collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies.
The police assured the public of their readiness to safeguard lives and property, maintain public peace, and preserve national security, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and focused on their lawful activities.
The statement concluded with an assurance that relevant government institutions are actively managing the situation in the interest of national security and Nigeria’s international relations.
Source: The Revealer
