The Federal Government has condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa amid recent anti-foreigner protests, warning that it could activate unspecified measures if the attacks and targeting of Nigerians continue.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, identified the victims as Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe.
According to the statement, Iroegbu was reportedly killed by Tshwane Metro Police officers on June 28, 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria, during what it described as the use of gruesome interrogation techniques. Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, was reportedly shot dead in front of his shop the same day in Witbank, Mpumalanga.
The ministry said the same officers implicated in Iroegbu’s death were also allegedly responsible for the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, in April.
It expressed concern that Ekpenyong’s case remains unresolved, with no arrests made despite the four officers involved being known to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Protesters gesture and chant slogans during a demonstration by members of the “March and March” movement marking an unofficial deadline set by citizen-led groups for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa, in Durban, on June 30, 2026.
The government said the latest killings occurred at a time when foreigners were increasingly being targeted in South Africa, raising concerns over deliberate attempts to wrongly portray law-abiding Nigerians as criminals.
It also questioned the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in the country.
“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 recorded data collated by our Missions lays the grounds for criminal liability.
“It is a fact that South Africa currently has one of the highest rates of crime globally, including the culture of looting and mob action. Nigerians are more civil in our engagements with foreign nationals, and we always uphold the rule of law when dealing with illegalities. It is therefore unfair to target foreigners and make them scapegoats of endemic socio-economic conditions that need to be addressed by the authorities.”
The Federal Government also condemned a recent televised statement by a spokesperson of the South African Government, who reportedly asked Nigerians leaving the country because of the ongoing xenophobic protests to reveal where they hide illegal drugs.
It described the remarks as “unguarded,” unacceptable and inflammatory.
“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 gang leaders of groups such as March on March and Operation Dudula, who incite violence and hate against fellow Africans, will also be held to account as a matter of regional and international criminal liability.”
Members of the Zulu regiment known as the ‘Amabutho’ chant slogans as they march during a demonstration by the “March and March” movement marking an unofficial deadline set by citizen-led groups for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa, in Durban, on June 30, 2026. (Photo by RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP)
The government called on South African authorities to urgently investigate the two killings and other pending cases involving the extra-judicial killings of Nigerians 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 Federal Government sympathised with the families of the victims and pledged to continue engaging South African authorities until justice is served.
It also urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security conscious amid the ongoing xenophobic and afrophobic demonstrations.
“They are advised to move to safer neighbourhoods and avoid areas that are prone to violent activities, while the Government continues to explore diplomatic solutions to address the growing scourge of Afrophobia in South Africa.”
The government reiterated that South African nationals and businesses operate safely in Nigeria without harassment, stressing that South Africa has a corresponding obligation to protect the lives and property of all foreigners, including Nigerians legally residing in the country.
“Therefore, the systematic targeting of Nigerian nationals who are legally residing in South Africa is not acceptable, and their safety should be guaranteed.”
The Federal Government further placed South Africa on notice, warning that if the situation persists, “all options remain on the table,” with some to be activated if what it described as the country’s “uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour against foreigners” is not addressed.
It also appealed to Nigerians at home to refrain from retaliatory actions.
“We will continue to pursue dialogue and negotiations in the spirit of African unity, brotherhood and solidarity, which are the cornerstones of Nigeria’s foreign policy in resolving the unfortunate developments,” the statement said.
The ministry added that the evacuation of registered Nigerians from South Africa is ongoing.
Nigeria’s evacuation of citizens caught in South Africa’s anti-migrant violence gathered momentum on Friday, as another flight brought a fresh batch of returnees safely home to Lagos.
