Nigeria Warns South Africa Over Escalating Violence Against Nationals

The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a stern warning to South African authorities, signaling that it may consider further diplomatic or retaliatory measures if the targeted violence against Nigerians residing in the country does not cease. This move follows the recent murders of two Nigerian nationals, Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, both killed on June 28, 2026.

According to official statements, Iroegbu died following alleged torture by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Pretoria, while Joe was fatally shot by unidentified individuals outside his place of business in Mpumalanga.

The Nigerian government expressed particular outrage regarding the involvement of law enforcement officials, noting that the same group of Tshwane Metro Police officers implicated in Iroegbu’s death was previously linked to the extrajudicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, in April. Despite these allegations, the government reports that no arrests have been made.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned these killings as part of a disturbing, recurring pattern of xenophobic violence and intolerance. The government also voiced strong opposition to inflammatory public statements made by certain South African officials, which it described as hate speech that incites criminal behavior against the Nigerian community.

Nigeria has formally demanded that South African authorities launch immediate, transparent, and exhaustive investigations into these incidents and ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice. The government emphasized that continued inaction regarding these extrajudicial killings is unacceptable and undermines the spirit of African solidarity.

In response to the deteriorating security situation, Nigerian diplomatic missions are actively monitoring developments and working to ensure the safety of their citizens.

Nigerian nationals living in South Africa have been advised to remain calm, exercise extreme caution, and avoid areas prone to unrest. While the government continues to facilitate the evacuation of those wishing to return home, it has strongly urged Nigerians to avoid retaliatory actions, favoring continued dialogue at the highest levels to resolve the crisis.