Pat Stevens/
The Nigeria Police Force has warned Nigerians against carrying out reprisals against South African nationals, businesses and diplomatic interests in the country amid reports of renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa.
The warning follows growing public outrage over reports circulating on social media and other platforms alleging that Nigerians and other foreign nationals have come under attack in parts of South Africa, raising concerns about possible retaliatory actions within Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the police said security agencies had reviewed the situation and concluded that there was no immediate cause for panic, assuring citizens that the Federal Government was actively engaging relevant authorities through diplomatic and security channels.
The police disclosed that the matter was extensively discussed during a meeting of the Joint Intelligence Board held on May 18 and chaired by the National Security Adviser.
According to the force, intelligence and security agencies subsequently conducted a comprehensive assessment of the potential security implications and agreed on measures to prevent any deterioration of the situation.
While acknowledging public concern over the reported attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa, the police cautioned that any attempt to resort to self-help or vigilante action would amount to a criminal offence.
“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 statement said.
The force stressed that Nigeria remains a country governed by the rule of law and that all persons legally residing within its borders, regardless of nationality, are entitled to protection under the law.
It added that any attempt to target South African citizens, diplomatic facilities, companies or other lawful interests in Nigeria would be treated as a criminal act and prosecuted accordingly.
The warning comes against the backdrop of a long and often tense history of xenophobic violence in South Africa, where Nigerian nationals have frequently been among those affected by attacks on foreign migrants.
Relations between Africa’s two largest economies have periodically come under strain due to such incidents.
In 2019, widespread attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa triggered diplomatic tensions, prompting Nigeria to recall its High Commissioner for consultations and boycott the World Economic Forum on Africa held in Cape Town.
Several South African-owned businesses in Nigeria temporarily shut their operations after fears of retaliatory protests.
Over the years, Nigerian authorities have repeatedly condemned attacks on their citizens in South Africa, while Pretoria has maintained that many incidents stem from criminality and socio-economic tensions rather than officially sanctioned xenophobic campaigns.
The latest concerns emerged amid renewed reports and social media claims alleging attacks on Nigerians and other African migrants in parts of South Africa.
Against this backdrop, the police urged Nigerians to avoid spreading unverified information capable of inflaming tensions.
The force warned that false or provocative content shared on social media could undermine public order, complicate diplomatic efforts and worsen relations between the two countries.
To prevent any breakdown of law and order, the police said security had been reinforced around critical national infrastructure, foreign diplomatic missions and other strategic locations across the country.
The force added that it was working closely with other security and intelligence agencies to monitor developments and respond swiftly to any threats.
Nigeria and South Africa maintain extensive economic, diplomatic and cultural ties, with billions of dollars in trade and investment linking both countries.
South African firms have substantial interests in Nigeria’s telecommunications, retail and financial sectors, while thousands of Nigerians live and work in South Africa.
The police said the government remained committed to protecting Nigerians abroad while ensuring the safety and rights of all foreign nationals lawfully residing in the country.
Authorities urged citizens to remain calm, allow diplomatic channels to address the concerns and refrain from actions that could jeopardise national security or Nigeria’s international relations.
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