The Nigeria Police Force on Saturday urged calm following reports of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa and warned against any reprisal attacks targeting South African nationals, businesses or interests in Nigeria.
The police in a statement said security and intelligence agencies reviewed the situation at a Joint Intelligence Board meeting held on May 18 and chaired by the National Security Adviser, assessing potential security implications and response measures.
The force said there was no cause for alarm, adding that the federal government was engaging relevant authorities and stakeholders through diplomatic, intelligence and security channels to address the situation and safeguard Nigerians at home and abroad.
While acknowledging public concerns over reported attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, the police warned citizens against taking 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 said.
The police said all persons lawfully residing in Nigeria, regardless of nationality, were entitled to protection under the law and warned that any attempt to target South African nationals, diplomatic facilities, businesses or other lawful interests would be treated as a criminal offence.
The force also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified or inflammatory information, particularly on social media, saying such content could heighten tensions, undermine public order and complicate diplomatic efforts.
The police said additional security measures had been put in place in collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies, including increased surveillance around critical national assets, foreign missions and other key locations to prevent any breakdown of law and order.