The Federal Government has warned that it may adopt additional measures against South Africa if attacks on Nigerian citizens continue, following the killing of two Nigerians in separate incidents.
Nigeria condemned the deaths of Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, describing the incidents as part of a disturbing trend of violence against foreigners, particularly Nigerians, in South Africa.
The government also called for immediate, transparent and comprehensive investigations to ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
The two victims were killed on June 28, 2026. Iroegbu allegedly died after being tortured by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, while Joe was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga.
In separate statements issued on Sunday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg and the Nigerian Union South Africa, Nigerian authorities urged South African officials to carry out thorough investigations into the killings and other unresolved cases involving Nigerians.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that Nigeria could take further action if the attacks persist.
“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 statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
The government said the latest incidents reflected a broader pattern of violence targeting Nigerians in South Africa. It noted that the same Tshwane Metro Police officers allegedly linked to the killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, on April 20, 2026, have not been arrested despite their identities being known to the South African Police Service.
In a statement signed by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Federal Government expressed outrage over the killings and reiterated its concerns over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.
The statement said, “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 government also recalled the unresolved killing of Ekpenyong, alleging that the same officers were responsible.
“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.
According to the ministry, the killings occurred amid growing xenophobic tensions and increasing attacks on foreigners, warning against attempts to portray Nigerians as criminals.
“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,” it stated.
The Federal Government further alleged that some South African security personnel, particularly officers of the Tshwane Metro Police, were complicit in attacks against Nigerians.
It also criticised comments reportedly made by a spokesperson for the South African government, who allegedly challenged Nigerians leaving the country due to xenophobic protests to disclose the locations of illegal drugs. Nigeria described the remarks as inflammatory and unacceptable.
“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 statement said.
The ministry urged South African authorities to launch urgent investigations into the recent killings and other unresolved cases involving Nigerian nationals.
“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 extending condolences to the families of the deceased, the Federal Government said it would continue engaging South African authorities at the highest diplomatic levels until justice is served.
It also advised Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, obey the law and stay vigilant. The ministry encouraged them to relocate from violence-prone areas where necessary and avoid locations affected by ongoing xenophobic and Afrophobic demonstrations.
The government appealed to Nigerians not to engage in reprisals, stressing that it remained committed to resolving the issues through dialogue, negotiation and the principles of African unity and solidarity. It added that arrangements to evacuate registered Nigerians willing to return home were still ongoing.
In a separate statement, the Nigerian Consul General in Johannesburg, Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, confirmed that Iroegbu died at the hands of officers of the Tshwane Metro Police, while Joe was killed by criminals.
“We continue to call on the South African authorities to investigate the cases and bring the perpetrators of the gruesome acts to justice without further delay,” the statement affirmed.
The Nigerian Union South Africa also demanded swift action, insisting that those responsible must face justice.
“Demands prompt, transparent and exhaustive investigation to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and face the full wrath of the law.”
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Akindele Olunloyo, the union said it was working closely with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg to monitor developments.
“In light of these tragic killings, we urge all Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant. Please exercise extreme caution in your daily activities, know your surroundings, and report any suspicious activities to the local police,” it added.
