By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has raised an alarm over escalating threats and violence against foreign nationals in South Africa, calling for urgent action to protect Nigerians and ensure accountability for recent deaths linked to security agencies.

At a high-level meeting in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, met with South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele, to convey Nigeria’s concerns over disturbing reports of intimidation and attacks allegedly fueled by groups such as Operation Dudula.

Nigeria condemned the reported deaths of two citizens — Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro — who allegedly died following assaults while in the custody of South African security personnel. 

The government is demanding thorough and transparent investigations, including access to autopsy reports and legal processes for the victims’ families.

Officials also expressed concern over ongoing protests in parts of South Africa calling for foreigners, particularly black immigrants, to leave the country. Describing circulating videos of violence as “deeply troubling,” Nigeria noted that such developments threaten the long-standing diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The Ministry emphasized the need for South African authorities to move beyond public condemnations and ensure concrete actions on the ground, including protecting law-abiding Nigerians, preventing profiling, and enforcing professional conduct among security agencies.

Nigeria further called for the swift implementation of a bilateral early warning mechanism aimed at preventing crises and improving communication between both countries.

Responding, Ms. Machele assured Nigerian authorities that Pretoria would be informed of the concerns raised and reiterated that the South African government does not support the protests. She pledged that steps would be taken to maintain peaceful relations between both nations.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government urged its citizens to remain calm following a small protest at the South African High Commission in Abuja, warning against any form of retaliatory action.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, also held a telephone conversation with her South African counterpart as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and reinforce bilateral relations.

Authorities reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the protection of diplomatic missions and personnel within its borders, in line with international obligations, while pressing South Africa to ensure that Nigerians within its territory can live safely and with dignity.

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