Nigeria, South Africa relations sink deeper as FG warns over continued killings of citizens

‎Abuja — The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to South Africa following the killing of two Nigerian nationals, saying it may adopt stronger measures if attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals continue.
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‎In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria condemned the deaths of Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as “Big Joe,” describing the incidents as part of a troubling pattern of violence against Nigerians living in South Africa.
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‎According to the ministry, Iroegbu was allegedly tortured to death by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, on June 28, while Joe was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga, on the same day.
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‎The government expressed outrage over the killings and called on South African authorities to conduct immediate, transparent, and comprehensive investigations to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. It also raised concerns over what it described as increasing xenophobic tensions and the continued targeting of foreigners in South Africa.
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‎Nigeria further alleged that some officers implicated in Iroegbu’s death were previously linked to the killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, in April 2026, noting that no arrests have been made despite the identities of the officers reportedly being known to South African police authorities.
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‎The Foreign Affairs Ministry warned that Nigeria would not remain passive if the attacks persist.
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‎“We wish to place the Government of South Africa on notice that if the situation continues to persist, all options remain on the table,” the ministry said, adding that stronger actions could be activated if what it termed intolerance and discriminatory treatment of foreigners is not addressed.
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‎The government also condemned comments reportedly made by a South African government spokesperson linking Nigerians to illegal drug activities, describing such remarks as inflammatory and capable of inciting hostility against members of the Nigerian community.
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‎While assuring the families of the victims that efforts would continue to secure justice, the Federal Government advised Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant. Citizens were urged to avoid violence-prone areas and relocate to safer neighbourhoods where necessary.
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‎The government also appealed to Nigerians at home not to engage in retaliatory actions, stressing that it would continue to pursue diplomatic engagement and dialogue with South African authorities in line with the principles of African unity and cooperation.
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‎It added that arrangements remain in place for registered Nigerians wishing to return home.
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