The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned against reprisal attacks on South Africans residing in Nigeria over the recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in the former apartheid country.

The police issued the warning on Sunday in a statement signed by spokesman, Anthony Placid, saying anyone who attacks South African nationals or businesses in Nigeria will face the full wrath of the law.

Placid said the NPF had received concerns about possible reprisal attacks on South African nationals, businesses, and interests in Nigeria in response to the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians.

“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 statement read.

“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.”

Placid also urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified, inflammatory, or inciting information, especially on social media.

According to him, false or provocative content can escalate tensions, undermine public order, and hinder diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation.

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.