FG Threatens Action as Two Nigerians Killed Amid South Africa's Anti-Foreigner Protests

The Federal Government has strongly condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa, warning that it may activate diplomatic and other measures if attacks targeting Nigerians continue amid rising anti-foreigner protests in the country.

The government described the latest incidents as deeply troubling, saying they reinforce growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians legally residing in South Africa and what it called a disturbing pattern of violence against foreign nationals.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, 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 "gruesome interrogation techniques."

The second victim, Yunana Joe, was reportedly shot dead in front of his business premises in Witbank, Mpumalanga, on the same day.

The Federal Government said the two deaths are not isolated incidents, noting that the same Tshwane Metro Police officers implicated in Iroegbu's death were also allegedly responsible for the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, in April.

It expressed concern that despite the identities of the officers being known to the South African Police Service (SAPS), no arrests have been made and the investigation has yet to produce any tangible outcome.

The ministry argued that the recurring incidents raise serious concerns about accountability and the responsibility of South African authorities under international law.

"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 statement said.

It added that information gathered by Nigeria's diplomatic missions in South Africa could provide grounds for criminal liability where appropriate.

The government also criticised what it described as growing attempts to portray Nigerians as criminals amid ongoing anti-foreigner campaigns in South Africa.

According to the ministry, South Africa continues to grapple with high crime rates, looting and mob violence, but foreign nationals should not become scapegoats for the country's socio-economic challenges.

"It is unfair to target foreigners and make them scapegoats of endemic socio-economic conditions that need to be addressed by the authorities," the ministry stated.

The Federal Government further faulted recent comments reportedly made by a South African government spokesperson during a televised interview, in which Nigerians leaving the country because of xenophobic protests were allegedly asked to disclose where illegal drugs were hidden.

Nigeria described the remarks as inflammatory, irresponsible and capable of fuelling hostility against innocent Nigerians.

According to the ministry, such sweeping public statements by government officials amount to hate speech and could encourage violence against members of the Nigerian community.

It also warned that leaders of anti-immigrant groups such as March on March and Operation Dudula, accused of promoting violence and hate against fellow Africans, could be held accountable under regional and international law.

The Federal Government called on South African authorities to immediately investigate the latest killings and conclude pending cases involving Nigerians who have died under suspicious circumstances.

It insisted that anyone accused of wrongdoing should be subjected to due process rather than extra-judicial actions.

"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 statement said.

The ministry also extended condolences to the families of the deceased and pledged to continue engaging South African authorities until justice is achieved.

While diplomatic engagements continue, the Federal Government advised Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security conscious.

It urged citizens to relocate to safer neighbourhoods where necessary and avoid areas witnessing violent demonstrations or anti-foreigner protests.

The ministry disclosed that arrangements for the voluntary evacuation of registered Nigerians from South Africa are ongoing, with additional returnees already arriving in Nigeria.

The Federal Government stressed that South African nationals and businesses continue to operate freely and safely in Nigeria, insisting that South Africa has a reciprocal obligation to guarantee the safety of Nigerians legally residing within its borders.

It warned that continued attacks on Nigerians would not be tolerated.

"The systematic targeting of Nigerian nationals who are legally residing in South Africa is not acceptable, and their safety should be guaranteed," the ministry said.

It added that although Nigeria remains committed to dialogue, African solidarity and diplomatic engagement, "all options remain on the table" should South Africa fail to halt what it described as a growing trend of intolerance and "apartheid-style behaviour" against foreigners.

The government, however, appealed to Nigerians at home to refrain from retaliatory actions, reaffirming that diplomacy remains its preferred path to resolving the crisis while pursuing justice for victims and ensuring the protection of Nigerians abroad.