The Federal Government has warned that it may take tougher action against South Africa if attacks on Nigerian citizens continue, following the killing of two Nigerians in separate incidents.

According to Punch Newspaper, the government condemned the deaths of Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, both killed on June 28, 2026.

Iroegbu was allegedly tortured to death by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, while Joe was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Nigeria demanded immediate, transparent and thorough investigations into the killings.

The ministry warned that all options remained open if what it described as “intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour” against foreigners, particularly Nigerians, was not addressed.

The government also linked the latest incidents to what it called a disturbing pattern of violence against Nigerians in South Africa. It noted that officers allegedly involved in the April 20, 2026 killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, had yet to be arrested despite being known to the South African Police Service.

Nigeria expressed concern over rising xenophobic tensions, saying the repeated attacks appeared aimed at wrongly portraying law-abiding Nigerians as criminals.

The government also criticised remarks reportedly made by a South African government spokesperson suggesting Nigerians leaving the country over xenophobic protests should reveal where illegal drugs were hidden. It described the comments as inflammatory, unprofessional and capable of inciting hatred against Nigerians.

While extending condolences to the families of the victims, the Federal Government urged South African authorities to ensure those responsible for the killings and other unresolved attacks on Nigerians were brought to justice.

The ministry advised Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, relocate from areas prone to violence where necessary, and avoid retaliatory actions. It added that evacuation arrangements for registered Nigerians wishing to leave South Africa were continuing.

The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg and the Nigerian Union South Africa also called for swift investigations and prosecution of those responsible, while urging members of the Nigerian community to remain cautious and report suspicious activities to the police.