Police Urge Calm Amid Fears Over Xenophobic Attacks On Nigerians In South Africa
As concerns mount over reported xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, the Nigeria Police Force has appealed for calm, warning against any form of retaliatory action that could threaten public peace and national security.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Force said security and intelligence agencies had reviewed the situation following a Joint Intelligence Board meeting chaired by the National Security Adviser on 18 May 2026.
The assessment, according to the police, is guiding government efforts to address the matter through diplomatic, intelligence, and security channels.
The police stressed that while Nigerians may be worried about reports emerging from South Africa, reprisals against South African nationals, businesses, diplomatic facilities, or interests in Nigeria would be treated as criminal acts.
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, urged citizens to remain law-abiding and avoid spreading unverified or inflammatory information, particularly on social media, noting that such content could escalate tensions and undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts.
He disclosed that security measures had been strengthened around critical national assets, foreign missions, and other strategic locations to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
The Force reassured Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while maintaining peace and national security.
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