The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa, describing the incidents as unacceptable and warning that it may activate further diplomatic measures if attacks on Nigerians and other foreign nationals continue.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government identified the victims as Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe.
According to the ministry, Iroegbu was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police on June 28, 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria, during what it described as a brutal interrogation. On the same day, Yunana Joe was reportedly shot dead in front of his business premises in Witbank, Mpumalanga.
The government also linked the officers implicated in Iroegbu’s death to the alleged extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, in April, noting that no arrests have been made despite the identities of the officers being known to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Expressing deep concern over what it described as a disturbing pattern of violence, the Federal Government said the killings coincide with a resurgence of anti-foreigner protests in South Africa, where migrants have increasingly become targets of attacks and intimidation.
The ministry argued that the recurring incidents raise serious questions about the responsibility of security agencies and the South African government to protect legally resident foreign nationals under international law.
It further condemned recent remarks by a South African government spokesperson, who reportedly urged Nigerians leaving the country to disclose where illegal drugs are hidden, describing the statement as inflammatory, irresponsible, and capable of inciting hatred and violence against Nigerians.
According to the statement, such public comments by government officials amount to hate speech and encourage groups promoting xenophobia, including Operation Dudula and March on March, to continue acts of violence against fellow Africans.
The Nigerian government called on South African authorities to conduct thorough investigations into the recent killings and all unresolved cases involving Nigerians, insisting that those responsible must be prosecuted without delay.
It stressed that allegations of wrongdoing should never justify extra-judicial killings, emphasising that every individual deserves a fair hearing and due process under the law.
While extending condolences to the families of the victims, the Federal Government assured them that it would continue diplomatic engagements with South African authorities until justice is achieved.
The government also advised Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant, urging them to avoid areas experiencing violent demonstrations and relocate to safer communities where necessary.
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful diplomacy, Nigeria noted that South African citizens and businesses continue to operate freely and safely within Nigeria, adding that South Africa has a reciprocal obligation to guarantee the safety of Nigerians residing legally within its borders.
The Federal Government warned that should the attacks persist, “all options remain on the table,” while reiterating its preference for dialogue in line with the principles of African unity, solidarity, and peaceful coexistence.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed that the evacuation of registered Nigerians wishing to leave South Africa is ongoing.
