The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a strong condemnation following the deaths of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two African powerhouses.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed grave concern over the incidents, linking them to a broader pattern of xenophobic attacks and questioning the South African govt’s commitment to protecting foreign residents.
The Incidents
According to a press release from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emeka Charles Iroegbu was reportedly killed on June 28, 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria, by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police.
Nigerian Govt alleged that Iroegbu died due to “gruesome interrogation techniques.”
This incident follows the alleged extra- judicial killing of another Nigerian, Mr. Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, on April 20, 2026, by the same officers, with no arrests made despite the officers being known to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
In a separate incident on the same day, June 28, 2026, Mr. Musa Yunana Joe, known as “Big Joe,” was killed in front of his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga, by unidentified criminals.
These killings occur amidst heightened anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa, raising concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals.
Nigeria’s Stance and Accusations
The Nigerian govt views these incidents as evidence of complicity by South African security operatives, particularly the Tshwane Metro Police, suggesting a question of state responsibility under International Law.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that recorded data collated by Nigerian Missions lays groundwork for criminal liability.
Nigeria also strongly condemned a televised public statement by a South African government spokesperson, who allegedly asked Nigerians leaving the country due to xenophobic protests to “show where they hide illegal drugs”.
The Nigerian government labeled such remarks as “derogatory, unprofessional and uncensored generalised public
statements” that constitute hate speech, inciting negative actions against the Nigerian community.
They further stated that gang leaders of groups like the March on March and the Operation Dudula, who incite violence, will be held accountable under regional and international criminal liability.
South Africa’s Response and Broader Context
An Al Jazeera report from June 9, 2026, provides context on the rising tensions, noting that Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu had previously accused the South African government of failing to forcefully denounce violence against Nigerian nationals.
This, she stated, had damaged the historical bond between the two nations, forged during Nigeria’s solidarity with South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.
The report also mentioned that at least two Nigerian men died in April during an earlier wave of violence, one allegedly beaten by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and another
found dead after arrest.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in a national address, announced measures to tackle irregular migration, including imprisonment for employers hiring undocumented workers and dedicated courts for deportations.
While acknowledging the legitimacy of
some concerns, Ramaphosa cautioned against vigilantism, emphasizing that enforcing immigration laws is the state’s responsibility.
Calls for Justice and Diplomatic Solutions
The Nigerian government has called on South African authorities to conduct urgent investigations into the killings and other pending cases of extra-judicial killings of Nigerian nationals, demanding that perpetrators be brought to justice.
Nigeria maintains that all individuals, regardless of allegations, deserve lawful processes and a fair hearing.
While sympathizing with the victims’ families, Nigeria has appealed to its nationals in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and security-conscious, advising them to move to safer neighborhoods.
The government reiterated its commitment to exploring diplomatic
solutions to address what it terms the “growing scourge of Afrophobia in South Africa”.
Nigeria also highlighted that South African nationals and businesses operate safely in Nigeria without harassment, emphasizing South Africa’s responsibility to protect all foreign residents.
The statement concluded with a warning that if the situation persists, “all options remain on the table,” implying potential retaliatory measures against S’Africa’s “uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour”.