Nigeria has warned South Africa of potential diplomatic retaliation if targeted attacks and extrajudicial killings of its citizens continue, following the recent deaths of two Nigerians under controversial circumstances.
In a strongly worded statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, Abuja condemned what it described as a disturbing pattern of hate speech, xenophobic violence, and state-sanctioned harassment against its nationals.
The ministry warned Pretoria that Nigeria’s commitment to diplomacy and African solidarity should not be mistaken for weakness.
“We wish to place the Government of South Africa on notice that if the situation continues to persist, all options remain on the table,” said ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa.
Ebienfa added that these options would be activated if the “provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour” against foreigners is not addressed.
The latest diplomatic friction was triggered by two deaths on June 28.
According to the ministry, Emeka Iroegbu was tortured to death by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, during “gruesome interrogation techniques.”
The ministry alleged that the same officers were linked to the April 20 extrajudicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Ekpenyong. Despite the officers’ identities being reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS), no arrests have been made.
In a separate incident on the same day, Musa Yunana Joe, a businessman popularly known as “Big Joe,” was shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga.
Abuja accused South African authorities of failing to protect foreign nationals and criticized some public officials for fueling hostilities.
Specifically, the ministry condemned recent remarks by a South African government spokesperson who reportedly urged fleeing Nigerians to disclose where illegal drugs were hidden. Abuja described the comments as “inflammatory, unprofessional,” and designed to incite public hatred.
The statement also targeted anti-immigrant groups such as “March on March” and “Operation Dudula,” accusing them of mobilizing xenophobic violence.
While demanding immediate investigations into the killings, the Nigerian government urged its citizens in South Africa to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk areas, and relocate to safer neighborhoods. The ministry confirmed that voluntary evacuation procedures for registered Nigerians wishing to return home are ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government appealed to Nigerians at home to refrain from carrying out reprisal attacks against South African businesses operating in Nigeria, emphasizing that diplomatic dialogue remains the preferred resolution path.
Tensions over xenophobia have periodically strained relations between Nigeria and South Africa, the continent’s two largest economies, since the end of apartheid. Major outbreaks of anti-foreigner violence in 2008, 2015, and 2019 previously led to diplomatic protests, boycotts, and the emergency evacuation of hundreds of Nigerians.
