The Federal Government has turned up the diplomatic heat on South Africa following the killing of three Nigerians, demanding swift justice and warning that Abuja could resort to tougher diplomatic measures if the attacks continue.
In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed outrage over what it described as a disturbing pattern of violence against Nigerians living in South Africa, insisting that Pretoria must urgently investigate the killings and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
The latest diplomatic row comes amid rising anti-immigrant tensions sweeping parts of South Africa, where protests against undocumented migrants have fuelled fears among foreign communities. Nigeria says the renewed violence has left many Nigerians feeling increasingly vulnerable.
One of the victims, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, allegedly died after what the ministry described as a brutal interrogation by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, on June 28, 2026.
Even more troubling, the ministry claimed that some of the officers involved had previously been linked to the April 20 killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong. Despite reports that the identities of the officers are known to the South African Police Service, no arrests have been made.
On the same day, another Nigerian, Musa Yunana Joe, widely known as “Big Joe,” was gunned down outside his business premises in Witbank, Mpumalanga. His attackers remain unidentified.
The Federal Government said the killings, coming against the backdrop of growing hostility toward foreigners, raise serious concerns about the safety of Nigerians in South Africa.
“These two killings come at a time when foreigners are being unduly targeted in South Africa. This raises questions about deliberate attempts by some elements to wrongfully generalise and tag well-meaning, hardworking and respectable Nigerians as criminals,” the ministry stated.
Abuja also lashed out at remarks reportedly made by a South African government spokesperson, who allegedly challenged Nigerians leaving the country because of xenophobic violence to reveal the locations of illegal drugs before departing. Nigeria described the comments as reckless, inflammatory and capable of fuelling hostility against innocent Nigerians.
The ministry further condemned groups accused of promoting xenophobic campaigns and violence against African migrants, warning that anyone inciting attacks on foreign nationals could eventually face accountability under regional and international law.
It stressed that allegations of criminal conduct should be handled through lawful judicial processes—not mob justice or extrajudicial violence.
The latest diplomatic protest comes as South Africa faces renewed international scrutiny over anti-migrant violence. Anti-immigration demonstrations held in April, May and June blamed foreign nationals for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services, prompting growing concern across the continent.
Nigeria, Ghana and Malawi have already evacuated citizens affected by the unrest, while South African authorities deployed additional security personnel ahead of demonstrations that culminated in an unofficial June 30 deadline issued by some protest groups for undocumented migrants to leave the country.
Although President Cyril Ramaphosa has publicly condemned xenophobic violence and vowed action against groups promoting lawlessness, attacks on foreign nationals have continued to spark alarm.
International reports also linked the latest killings to the heightened anti-migrant atmosphere, noting that the incidents occurred just two days before the June 30 deadline declared by anti-immigrant protesters.
Meanwhile, Nigeria said its voluntary evacuation programme remains ongoing, with more than 1,000 Nigerians having registered for repatriation and several government-assisted flights already returning hundreds of citizens home.
While extending condolences to the bereaved families, the Federal Government vowed to sustain high-level diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to secure justice for the victims and improve the safety of Nigerians living in the country.
The ministry advised Nigerians in South Africa to remain vigilant, avoid flashpoints, relocate to safer areas where necessary and continue obeying local laws as diplomatic efforts continue.
It also appealed to Nigerians at home to remain calm and avoid reprisals, stressing that the crisis should be resolved through diplomacy, dialogue and African solidarity.
Nigeria further noted that South African citizens and businesses operating within its borders continue to enjoy full protection, urging Pretoria to guarantee the same level of safety and respect for Nigerians living legally in South Africa.
While reaffirming its commitment to bilateral relations, the Federal Government made it clear that its patience is not unlimited, warning that stronger diplomatic measures remain on the table if the attacks continue without decisive action from South African authorities.