Nigeria may take “additional measures” against the Government of South Africa if attacks on Nigerians and other foreigners in the country persist, the Federal Government has warned.
Conveying the warning in a statement on Sunday, the Federal Government condemned the uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour against foreigners in South Africa.
It added:”We wish to place the Government of South Africa on notice that if the situation continues to persist, all options remain on the table some of which will be activated if the trend is not addressed.”
The government expressed concern over what it described as a growing pattern of violence, extra-judicial killings and xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
According to the ministry, one of the victims, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, on June 28, 2026, after reportedly being subjected to what it described as “gruesome interrogation techniques.”
The ministry also recalled that on April 20, 2026, another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, was allegedly killed extra-judicially by the same police officers. It noted that despite the identities of the four officers involved being known to the South African Police Service (SAPS), no arrests have been made and the case remains unresolved.
The second victim, Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, was reportedly shot dead in front of his business premises in Witbank, Mpumalanga, also on June 28, by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.
The Federal Government said the latest killings have heightened fears over the safety of Nigerians residing in South Africa, particularly amid ongoing xenophobic protests and increasing hostility towards foreign nationals.
“The Government of Nigeria strongly condemns the recent killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa,” the statement read.
It added that the incidents “raise questions about deliberate attempts by some elements to wrongfully generalise and tag well-meaning, hard-working and respectable Nigerians as criminals,” while also questioning “the general safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa.”
The ministry further alleged that the repeated involvement of Tshwane Metro Police officers in reported extra-judicial killings suggests possible complicity by security operatives.
“The continuing pattern of such terrible incidents is clearly evidence of complicity on the part of security operatives, especially officers of the Tshwane Metro Police, which raises the question of state responsibility under international law,” the statement said.
The government also condemned recent public comments allegedly made by a spokesperson of the South African Government, who reportedly challenged Nigerians leaving the country amid xenophobic protests to disclose where illegal drugs were hidden.
Describing the remarks as “unguarded,” “derogatory” and “unprofessional,” Nigeria said such statements amount to hate speech capable of inciting violence against Nigerians living in South Africa.
“Such derogatory, unprofessional and uncensored generalised public statements by highly placed government officials constitute hate speech that influences and incites negative and criminal actions against members of the Nigerian community,” the ministry stated.
The government further warned that leaders of anti-foreigner groups, including March on March and Operation Dudula, would be held accountable under regional and international law for allegedly promoting violence and hate against fellow Africans.
Nigeria called on the South African authorities to urgently investigate the two recent killings, as well as other unresolved cases involving Nigerian nationals, and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice without delay.
“Our position remains that no matter what the allegations or suspicions may be, there are lawful processes and steps to justice. All must be presumed innocent and granted fair hearing in a court of law,” the statement added.
Extending condolences to the families of the deceased, the Federal Government assured Nigerians that it would continue engaging the highest levels of the South African Government until justice is achieved.
It also advised Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security conscious, urging them to avoid violence-prone areas and relocate to safer neighbourhoods where necessary.
The ministry disclosed that efforts were ongoing to evacuate registered Nigerians willing to leave South Africa as diplomatic engagements continue.
It emphasised that South African nationals and businesses continue to operate freely and safely in Nigeria without harassment, insisting that South Africa has a corresponding obligation to protect the lives and property of Nigerians legally residing in the country.
“The systematic targeting of Nigerian nationals who are legally residing in South Africa is not acceptable, and their safety should be guaranteed,” the government said.