Police are warning South Africans and businesses against attacking individuals based on claims of xenophobia
Police warn Nigerians not to hurt South Africans, saying that South African citizens and businesses are still safe under Nigerian law.
In response to reports of racist attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, the Nigeria Police Force has issued a warning to the public against targeting South Africans, businesses, diplomatic buildings, or any other targets in Nigeria as a form of retaliation.
The warning comes as public worry about the reported incidents grows, along with fears that rising emotions could lead to retaliatory actions in Nigeria.
As an update on what was being done to resolve the problem, police said, “After the Joint Intelligence Board Meeting on May 18, 2026, which was chaired by the National Security Adviser, security and intelligence agencies conducted a comprehensive review to assess security implications and determine necessary response measures.”
According to a statement from DCP Anthony Placid, the Force Public Relations Officer, the Nigeria Police Force reassured Nigerians that there is no reason to be worried. They said that the federal government is working with the right people and organizations through diplomatic, intelligence, and security channels to find a peaceful solution and protect Nigerians’ interests at home and abroad.
Concerns were raised by the public about the attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, but the Force stressed that people should not try to help themselves or break the law. It said that threats of retaliation, violence, intimidation, property damage, hate speech, and any other actions that could threaten public safety and peace are illegal and will not be allowed.
The police also said that Nigeria is still a country based on the rule of law and that everyone legally living in the country, regardless of what country they are from, is protected by the law. So, anyone in Nigeria who tries to attack South African citizens, diplomatic buildings, businesses, or other legal targets will be charged with a crime and dealt with according to the law.
The Force also asked people not to share false, harmful, or disturbing information, especially on social media sites. The statement said that spreading fake or upsetting information could make things worse, threaten public safety, and make it harder for diplomats to work together to solve the problem.
To keep things under control, the Nigeria Police Force has worked with other security and intelligence agencies to tighten security and keep a closer eye on key national assets, foreign missions, and other important spots across the country. The message also said that the right number of troops had been sent out to protect people and property.
Reaffirming its dedication to keeping the peace and safety, the Force told the people that it would continue to protect individuals and property, keep the peace, and keep national security safe. Nigerians were told to stay cool, obey the law, be alert, and keep doing what they were supposed to do without fear.
The Nigeria Police Force thanked people for their help and understanding, and they told them that the situation is being handled by the right government agencies for the sake of national security and positive relations with other countries.
