The Federal Government has condemned the killing of two Nigerians in South Africa, warning that it may take further action if attacks targeting its citizens continue amid rising anti-foreigner violence.
In a statement issued on Sunday, July 5, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, identified the victims as Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe.
According to the ministry, Iroegbu died on June 28, 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria, after he was allegedly subjected to brutal interrogation by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police.
It also said Musa Yunana Joe, widely known as Big Joe, was shot dead outside his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga, on the same day.
The ministry further alleged that the same Tshwane Metro Police officers linked to Iroegbu’s death were responsible for the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, in April.
It noted that no arrests have been made in Ekpenyong’s case despite the identities of the four officers allegedly involved being known to the South African Police Service.
The Federal Government said the killings came against the backdrop of increasing attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, adding that Nigerians were being unfairly portrayed as criminals despite many residing legally in the country.
It also questioned the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals living there.
“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 government also criticised comments reportedly made on television by a South African government spokesperson, who urged Nigerians leaving the country because of the xenophobic protests to disclose the locations of illegal drug operations.
Abuja described the remarks as reckless, inflammatory and unacceptable.
“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.
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“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.”
The Federal Government urged South African authorities to immediately investigate the latest killings and other unresolved cases involving Nigerians, insisting that those responsible must be prosecuted.
“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 ministry expressed condolences to the families of the victims and pledged to continue engaging the South African government until justice is served.
It also advised Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, obey the law and stay alert while the anti-foreigner demonstrations continue.
“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 stressed that South African citizens and businesses continue to operate peacefully in Nigeria without harassment, adding that South Africa has an obligation to guarantee the safety of all foreigners lawfully residing within its borders.
“Therefore, the systematic targeting of Nigerian nationals who are legally residing in South Africa is not acceptable, and their safety should be guaranteed.”
Nigeria also warned that it was considering additional measures if the attacks persist.
According to the ministry, “all options remain on the table,” and some could be activated if what it described as South Africa’s “uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour against foreigners” continues.
The government, however, appealed to Nigerians at home not to retaliate against South Africans.
“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 Nigerians who registered to return home from South Africa remains ongoing.
The latest repatriation flight arrived in Lagos on Friday as the Federal Government continued efforts to evacuate citizens affected by the recent wave of xenophobic violence.