The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed deep concern over ongoing protests in parts of South Africa calling for foreigners, particularly black nationals, to leave the country, describing the development as disturbing and inconsistent with the long-standing diplomatic ties between both nations.
This position was made known during a press briefing following a high-level meeting between the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, and the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Nigeria, Lesoli Machele.
According to the Ministry, Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg are closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds, amid reports of violence and rising tensions targeting foreign nationals.
The government also raised alarm over the reported deaths of two Nigerians — Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro — who allegedly died from injuries sustained while in the custody of South African security agencies.
Ekpeyong reportedly died on April 21, 2026, while in the custody of the Tshwane Metro Police Department, after sustaining injuries allegedly linked to personnel of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). A search of his residence reportedly yielded no incriminating evidence. Similarly, Amaramiro was said to have died on April 25, 2026, at Livingstone Hospital in the Eastern Cape following an alleged assault by SANDF personnel.
Nigeria condemned the incidents, noting that the deaths and related cases have heightened anxiety within the Nigerian community in South Africa. The government called for thorough, impartial investigations, including the release of autopsy reports, post-mortem documentation, and regular updates to Nigerian authorities.
During the meeting, Nigeria acknowledged recent public statements by South African authorities, including Cyril Ramaphosa, rejecting extrajudicial killings and attacks on foreign nationals. However, it stressed the need for such commitments to translate into concrete actions.
The government further expressed concern over threats linked to groups such as Operation Dudula and others reportedly associated with Jacinta Zuma, urging proactive measures to prevent incitement, intimidation, and violence.
Nigeria also called on South African authorities to ensure the protection of law-abiding Nigerians, emphasizing adherence to due process, non-profiling, and professionalism among security agencies.
While welcoming the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on an Early Warning Mechanism between both countries, the Ministry urged its swift implementation to enhance communication and prevent escalation of threats.
On the domestic front, the Ministry acknowledged a recent protest by a small group of Nigerians at the South African High Commission in Abuja but appealed for calm, warning against any form of self-help or unlawful actions.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has engaged her South African counterpart in a telephone conversation aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and addressing the concerns raised.
In her response, Machele assured that Nigeria’s concerns would be communicated to Pretoria, reiterating that the protests are not supported by the South African government and that steps would be taken to sustain peaceful relations between both countries.
The Nigerian government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting diplomatic missions and personnel within its territory, in line with international obligations, while urging South Africa to take decisive steps to safeguard Nigerians and restore confidence within the diaspora community.
