The Federal Government has warned that it may take additional measures against South Africa if attacks on Nigerian citizens continue, following the killing of two Nigerians in separate incidents that have renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in the country.
The government condemned the deaths of Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, describing the incidents as part of a disturbing pattern of attacks against Nigerians living in South Africa.
In separate statements issued on Sunday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg, Nigerian authorities demanded immediate, transparent and thorough investigations into the killings, insisting that those responsible must be identified, arrested and prosecuted without delay.
The Federal Government also warned that if the attacks persist, Nigeria may be forced to adopt stronger measures in response.
“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 of South Africa against foreigners is not addressed,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The latest warning marks one of Nigeria’s strongest diplomatic reactions in recent years to the recurring attacks on its citizens in South Africa.
According to the government, both victims were killed on June 28, 2026, in separate incidents.
Iroegbu was allegedly tortured to death by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, while Big Joe was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed outrage over the deaths and said the incidents have heightened fears among Nigerians residing in South Africa.
In a statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government said the killing of Iroegbu was particularly disturbing because it allegedly involved law enforcement officers.
“One victim, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, was reportedly killed by Tshwane Metro Police officers on 28th June 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria, using gruesome interrogation techniques,” the statement said.
The ministry also recalled that the same police officers were allegedly linked to the death of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, who was reportedly killed on April 20, 2026.
According to the government, no arrests have been made in that case despite claims that the identities of the four officers involved are already known to the South African Police Service.
“His case is still pending; no arrests have been made, even though the four officers involved are known to the South African Police Service,” the statement added.
The Federal Government said the repeated killings raise serious concerns about the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa.
It argued that the incidents occurred at a time when foreigners are increasingly becoming targets of attacks and anti-immigrant sentiments in parts of the country.
According to the ministry, there appears to be a growing attempt by some individuals to portray Nigerians as criminals, despite the fact that many Nigerians living in South Africa are law-abiding and contribute positively to the country’s economy and society.
“These two killings come at a time when foreigners are being unduly targeted in South Africa. This raises questions about a deliberate attempt by some elements to wrongfully generalise and tag well-meaning, hard-working, and respectable Nigerians as criminals,” the ministry stated.
The government also accused some South African security personnel, particularly officers of the Tshwane Metro Police, of allegedly being involved in attacks against Nigerians.
In addition, Nigeria criticised comments reportedly made by a spokesperson for the South African government during recent xenophobic protests.
According to the ministry, the official allegedly challenged Nigerians leaving South Africa because of the protests to disclose where illegal drugs were hidden.
The Federal Government described the reported remarks as offensive, irresponsible and capable of encouraging hostility against Nigerians.
“The unguarded public statements are unacceptable and are strongly condemned. 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 said.
Nigeria called on the South African authorities to launch immediate investigations into the latest killings as well as other unresolved cases involving Nigerian citizens.
It insisted that those responsible must face justice to restore confidence among Nigerians living in the country and demonstrate South Africa’s commitment to protecting all residents regardless of nationality.
“The Government of Nigeria, therefore, calls on the South African authorities to conduct urgent investigations into the two killings and several other pending cases of extrajudicial killings of Nigerian nationals in South Africa, and ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous crimes are brought to justice without further delay,” the ministry stated.
While expressing sympathy to the families of the deceased, the government assured Nigerians in South Africa that it would continue engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels until justice is achieved.
It also advised Nigerians living in the country to remain calm, obey the law and avoid taking actions that could worsen the situation.
The ministry urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, avoid areas where xenophobic or Afrophobic protests are taking place and relocate to safer locations where necessary.
At the same time, it appealed to members of the Nigerian community not to retaliate against any attacks, stressing that the government remains committed to resolving the matter through dialogue and diplomatic engagement.
According to the ministry, the ongoing evacuation process for registered Nigerians who wish to leave South Africa is still in progress.
Nigeria and South Africa maintain strong diplomatic and economic ties and are regarded as Africa’s two biggest economies. However, relations between both countries have repeatedly come under strain due to recurring xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians.
Over the years, several Nigerians have been killed or injured during violent attacks linked to anti-immigrant sentiments in South Africa, prompting repeated protests, diplomatic engagements and calls for stronger protection of foreign nationals.
Successive Nigerian governments have consistently urged South African authorities to bring perpetrators to justice and take decisive steps to prevent further attacks.
The latest killings have once again brought the issue to the forefront, with the Federal Government insisting that while it remains committed to maintaining cordial relations with South Africa, it will not hesitate to take further action if Nigerians continue to be targeted.