The Federal Government has warned South Africa that continued attacks on Nigerians could attract stronger measures as evacuation of registered citizens gathers pace.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja after the killing of two Nigerians in separate incidents in South Africa.
The ministry said the latest developments had heightened concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in the country and demanded immediate action from the South African authorities.
One of the victims, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, was reportedly killed on June 28, 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria, by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police during interrogation. The ministry said the same officers were allegedly responsible for the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, on April 20, adding that no arrests had been made despite the identities of the officers being known to the South African Police Service.
The second victim, Musa Yunana Joe, widely known as Big Joe, was shot dead in front of his shop on June 28 in Witbank, Mpumalanga, by yet-to-be-identified attackers.
The ministry said the incidents reflected a disturbing pattern of violence against foreigners, warning that Nigerians were being unfairly portrayed as criminals despite being law-abiding residents.
It also criticised recent remarks by a spokesperson for the South African Government linking Nigerians leaving the country during xenophobic protests with illegal drug activities.
“The unguarded public statements are unacceptable and are strongly condemned.”
The ministry added, “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.”
Nigeria called for urgent investigations into the two killings and other unresolved cases involving its citizens.
“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 Federal Government expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and said it would continue diplomatic engagement with the South African authorities until justice was served.
Nigerians living in South Africa were urged to remain calm, obey local laws and avoid areas experiencing xenophobic and Afrophobic violence. They were also advised to relocate to safer neighbourhoods where necessary.
The ministry maintained that South African nationals and businesses continued to operate peacefully in Nigeria without harassment, stressing that the South African Government had a responsibility to protect all foreigners legally residing in the country.
It warned, “We wish to place the Government of South Africa on notice that if the situation continues to persist, all options remain on the table, some of which will be activated if the uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour of South Africa against foreigners is not addressed.”
The Federal Government also appealed to Nigerians at home not to embark on retaliatory actions.
“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 ministry confirmed that the evacuation process for registered Nigerians in South Africa was continuing while diplomatic efforts remained underway.