The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly condemned the killing of Nigerian nationals in South Africa and has called on the South African authorities to carry out an urgent and transparent investigation into the incidents.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, one of the victims, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, on June 28, 2026, during what the ministry described as the use of gruesome interrogation methods.

The government also alleged that the same officers were linked to the earlier extra-judicial killing of Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong in April 2026, with no arrests made despite the identities of the officers reportedly being known to the South African Police Service.

In addition, another Nigerian, Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, was reportedly shot dead in front of his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga, by unidentified criminals.Nigeria expressed concern that these incidents happened amid rising xenophobic and afrophobic demonstrations targeting foreigners in South Africa.

The government criticised remarks allegedly made by a South African government spokesperson about Nigerians and described such comments as inflammatory and capable of encouraging violence.

Nigeria maintained that all criminal allegations should be handled through lawful judicial processes rather than mob action or extra-judicial killings.

The Federal Government urged South Africa to ensure justice for the victims, protect the lives and property of foreigners living legally in the country, and prevent further attacks.

It also appealed to Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain calm, obey the law, stay security conscious, relocate to safer areas where necessary, and avoid retaliatory actions while diplomatic efforts continue.