Xenophobia: Police Arrest 125 Suspects that Looted South African-owned Businesses in Lagos, to Beef Up Security Around Embassies, Foreigners

The Nigerian Police Force said it arrested 125 suspects that set ablaze an operational vehicle and injured 3 of its men during attacks on foreign owned businesses in the country.

In a statement issued by the Force public relations officer, Frank Mba on Wednesday, said some looted items were also recovered from the suspects. The statement while condemning the attacks further said the that the Inspector-General, IGP Mohammed Adamu has ordered heavy security presence around embassies, foreign missions, foreigners and their businesses in the country. 

”The IGP condemns the violent attacks and notes that three police officers were seriously injured and a police operational vehicle was set ablaze. He also notes that 125 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident while a good number of looted valuables have been recovered by the police.

“While recognising the rights of citizens to air their views on salient national issues as enshrined in our statutes, the Force reiterates that these must be done within the confines of the law. Miscreants and criminally minded people who masquerade as genuine protesters are, therefore, warned to stay off the streets of Nigeria as the Force will not hesitate to bring to bear the full weight of the law on any such law breaker. Parents and guardians are, therefore, enjoined to prevail on their children and wards to desist from acts capable of causing breakdown of law and order in the country.

“Meanwhile, the Force has commenced investigations and profiling of the arrested suspects with a view to establishing their connection with the stealing, malicious damage, arson and disturbance of public peace on the day of the incident.

“The Force is, hereby, reassuring all law abiding citizens, embassies, foreign missions, foreigners and their businesses within the country of their security and safety.

Angry Nigerians on Tuesday attacked South African-owned businesses in some parts of Lagos state and carting away valuables in protest against continued xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa.

Nigeria in Protest on Wednesday recalled the High Commissioner to South Africa in Protest and boycotted the ongoing World Economic Forum on Africa holding in Johannesburg. Also a Nigerian musician, Tiwa Savage cancelled her performance at an event hosted by DSTV which was billed to hold on September 21.