Source: Africa Publicity
Nigerian police have warned that anyone who attacks South African citizens or businesses in Nigeria in response to ongoing xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa will face the full wrath of the law.
A statement issued on Sunday, May 31, 2026 by Anthony Placid, the force spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), says the (NPF) had received concerns about possible reprisal attacks on South African nationals, businesses, and interests in Nigeria.
According to the statement, “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 noted that “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.”
It says “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.”
The statement added that “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 NPF 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.
