By Kingston Magare 1.6.2026
Nigerians who are angry about the treatment meted out their kinfolks in South Africa have been urged not to cast a stone against South Africans living and doing business in Nigeria.
Public outrage has greeted xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other Africans by South African citizens who accused them of taking over their jobs and also women. But the Nigeria Police Force said it would not be wise to retaliate.
According to NPF spokesperson Anthony Placid there are concerns about the safety of South Africans living in Nigeria, but according to him any retaliatory attack by Nigerians will not be condoned.
“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,” said a police statement issued by Mr Placid.
“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.
“Nigeria remains a nation governed by the rule of law. All persons lawfully residing within the country, irrespective of nationality, are entitled to protection under the law.
“Consequently, 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.”
He also called on Nigerians to cater to unverified, inflammatory, or inciting information, especially on social media.
He added that the police is collaborating with other security and intelligence agencies and has implemented security measures and increased surveillance around critical national assets, foreign missions, and other key locations.
“Adequate deployments have been made to prevent any breakdown of law and order,” Placid explained.