The Federal Government has strongly condemned the killing of two Nigerian citizens in South Africa, warning that it may adopt tougher diplomatic measures if attacks against Nigerians continue.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government described the latest killings as disturbing and indicative of a growing pattern of violence against Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in South Africa.
The warning comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions between both countries following weeks of xenophobic protests and the ongoing evacuation of Nigerians seeking refuge from violence.
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 what the government described as “gruesome interrogation techniques.”
The second victim, Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, was reportedly shot dead in front of his shop the same day in Witbank, Mpumalanga.
The ministry also recalled the April 20 killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, who was allegedly shot by the same police officers. It expressed concern that no arrests had been made despite claims that the identities of the four officers involved are known to the South African Police Service.
The government argued that the repeated involvement of Tshwane Metro Police officers raises serious concerns about possible complicity by security agencies and South Africa’s obligations under international law to protect foreign nationals.
The Federal Government also criticised comments reportedly made by a South African government spokesperson, who challenged Nigerians leaving the country because of xenophobic attacks to disclose the locations of illegal drugs.
It described the remarks as “derogatory, unprofessional and capable of inciting hostility and violence against Nigerians.”
Abuja further condemned anti-immigrant groups, including March on March and Operation Dudula, accusing their leaders of promoting hate speech and violence against fellow Africans.
While reaffirming its preference for diplomatic engagement, Nigeria warned that it would not hesitate to escalate its response if the attacks continue.
“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 uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour against foreigners is not addressed,” the ministry stated.
Although the government did not specify the measures under consideration, it said dialogue alone may no longer be sufficient if the violence persists.
The Federal Government urged South African authorities to conduct thorough investigations into the recent killings and other unresolved cases involving Nigerian nationals, insisting that those responsible must be prosecuted through due process rather than resorting to extrajudicial actions.
It also noted that South African citizens and businesses continue to operate freely in Nigeria, arguing that Pretoria has a reciprocal responsibility to guarantee the safety of Nigerians living within its borders.
The ministry extended condolences to the families of the deceased and pledged to continue engaging South African authorities until justice is served.
Nigerians residing in South Africa were advised to remain calm, comply with local laws, stay vigilant, avoid areas affected by violent demonstrations and relocate to safer neighbourhoods where necessary.
At the same time, Abuja appealed to Nigerians at home not to retaliate against South African businesses or citizens, stressing that diplomacy remains its preferred path for resolving the crisis.
