The Nigeria Police Force has issued an urgent nationwide directive calling for complete calm across the country, following disturbing intelligence reports pointing to the possibility of reprisal attacks targeting South African diplomatic facilities, businesses, and nationals currently residing in Nigeria.
The security alert follows an emergency Joint Intelligence Board Meeting held in Abuja under the chairmanship of National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu. Senior military, police, and intelligence officials came together to conduct a thorough security assessment of the rapidly deteriorating diplomatic relationship between Abuja and Pretoria. Regional tensions have been pushed to a critical point after anti-illegal immigration activists in South Africa issued a highly contentious June 30 ultimatum demanding that foreign nationals leave the country, a development that has sent shockwaves of anxiety through the Nigerian diaspora community.
NIGERIA POLICE FORCE CALLS FOR CALM OVER REPORTED XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS IN SOUTH AFRICA
The Nigeria Police Force addresses the public regarding reports of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa and concerns about possible reprisal attacks on South African nationals,… pic.twitter.com/169QSSifwf
— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) May 31, 2026
In an official statement released by Force Headquarters, newly appointed Force Public Relations Officer DCP Anthony Okon Placid reassured the Nigerian public that the Federal Government is actively engaging high-level diplomatic, security, and intelligence channels to ensure the safety and protection of Nigerian citizens in South Africa. At the same time, the police high command issued a firm and unambiguous warning to local civilian groups and vigilante formations contemplating retaliatory action against prominent South African brands and interests operating within Nigeria’s borders.
“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,” DCP Placid stated, confirming that tactical units have already been positioned to reinforce vulnerable foreign infrastructure across the country. “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.”
The Nigeria Police Force also issued a pointed caution to social media users against circulating unverified or inflammatory video content, warning that digital disinformation poses a direct threat to sensitive international negotiations currently underway. Working in close coordination with sister intelligence agencies, police units have been deployed in significant numbers to secure critical national assets and diplomatic missions. Citizens are urged to remain alert, continue their normal daily activities, and allow the state’s formal diplomatic machinery to work toward a peaceful resolution of the transnational crisis.