Xenophobic attack: Police boost security, warn against reprisals on South African interests

Nigeria's police chief has appealed for calm and cautioned against any retaliatory actions following reports of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa. The police force stated that security and intelligence agencies have reviewed the situation and put measures in place to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

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The Nigeria Police Force assures Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm. 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.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, assured Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm. 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 both at home and abroad.

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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 police acknowledged public concerns over the reported attacks but strongly advised citizens not to take the law into their own hands. "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 warned. The Force stressed that Nigeria is a country governed by the rule of law, and all persons legally residing in the country are entitled to protection regardless of nationality.

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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.

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 according to the law. The police also urged Nigerians to avoid spreading unverified or inflammatory information on social media, as such content could worsen tensions and undermine resolution efforts. Security measures have been strengthened around critical national assets, foreign missions, and key locations across the country.

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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.