The Nigeria Police Force has appealed to Nigerians to remain calm following reports of fresh xenophobic attacks against Nigerians living in South Africa, assuring citizens that the Federal Government is taking steps to address the situation through diplomatic and security channels.
The police also issued a strong warning against any form of retaliation targeting South African nationals, businesses, diplomatic facilities or investments in Nigeria, stressing that such actions would be treated as criminal offences.
The warning comes amid growing public concern over reports that some Nigerians have allegedly been attacked in parts of South Africa, raising fears of renewed tensions between citizens of the two countries.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Okon Placid, said security agencies had already reviewed the situation and taken preventive measures to ensure that public peace and order are maintained across Nigeria.
According to the statement, the review followed a meeting of the Joint Intelligence Board held on May 18, 2026, under the leadership of the National Security Adviser.
The meeting reportedly assessed developments surrounding the reported attacks and examined possible security implications for Nigeria.
Following the assessment, the police said relevant agencies agreed on measures aimed at preventing any unrest or retaliatory actions within the country.
“The Nigeria Police Force assures Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm,” the statement said.
“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.”
The police acknowledged that many Nigerians were worried about the safety of fellow citizens living and working in South Africa. However, the Force urged members of the public not to allow emotions to lead them into unlawful actions.
According to the statement, taking the law into one’s hands would only worsen the situation and could create additional security challenges within 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 Force said.
The police warned that any attempt to organise reprisals or attack South African interests in Nigeria would be met with the full force of the law.
“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 added.
The Force stressed that Nigeria remains a nation governed by law and that every person legally residing in the country is entitled to protection, regardless of nationality, race or background.
It further emphasised that foreign nationals living in Nigeria have rights that must be respected and protected under Nigerian law.
“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 warned.
The statement also addressed the role of social media in shaping public reactions during periods of tension.
The police expressed concern over the circulation of unverified reports, misleading information and inflammatory content online.
According to the Force, false or provocative messages can easily fuel anger, spread panic and create unnecessary divisions among citizens.
The public was therefore urged to verify information before sharing it and to rely on credible sources for updates regarding the situation.
“Sharing false or provocative content can escalate tensions, undermine public order and hinder diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation,” the statement said.
To prevent any possible breakdown of law and order, the police disclosed that security measures had been strengthened across the country.
The Force said it was working closely with other security and intelligence agencies to monitor developments and respond swiftly to any threats.
As part of the measures, surveillance around critical national infrastructure, foreign missions and other sensitive locations has been increased.
“The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies, has implemented security measures and increased surveillance around critical national assets, foreign missions and other key locations,” the statement said.
“Adequate deployments have been made to prevent any breakdown of law and order.”
The police reassured Nigerians that there was no immediate threat to public safety and encouraged citizens to continue their normal activities without fear.
The Force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property while maintaining peace and security across the country.
“The Force remains fully committed to protecting lives and property, preserving public peace and maintaining national security,” the statement noted.
The latest concerns come against the backdrop of a long history of xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals, including Nigerians, have at different times been targeted in attacks linked to issues such as unemployment, crime allegations and economic competition.
Over the years, several outbreaks of xenophobic violence have resulted in deaths, injuries and destruction of businesses owned by foreigners.
Nigerians have often been among those affected, leading to diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa, Africa’s two largest economies.
In previous incidents, the Nigerian government strongly condemned the attacks and demanded better protection for its citizens residing in South Africa.
Past episodes of xenophobic violence also triggered public outrage in Nigeria, with some groups threatening retaliation against South African-owned businesses operating in the country.
However, security agencies have consistently warned against such actions, arguing that retaliation could damage diplomatic relations and threaten innocent people.
They note that while concerns over the safety of Nigerians abroad are legitimate, diplomatic engagement remains the most effective means of resolving disputes and protecting citizens.
The police have assured Nigerians that relevant government institutions are actively handling the matter and engaging with stakeholders to ensure that the interests of Nigerians are protected.
As authorities continue to monitor developments, citizens have been urged to remain calm, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and allow government agencies to address the situation through lawful and diplomatic means.