News Update
Nigeria has expressed grave concern over a recent wave of anti-foreigner protests in South Africa and confirmed the deaths of two Nigerian nationals in separate incidents involving security personnel, according to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
In a situation report on Sunday, the Minister said President Bola Tinubu had directed close monitoring of developments and called for stronger protection of Nigerians living in South Africa.
“There is heightened anxiety over the series of anti-foreigner protests, also targeted at Nigerians in select cities in the republic of South Africa in recent weeks,” she said.
She added that the President had “expressed grave concern on this situation following a briefing, and has called for more effective control of the situation by relevant host security services.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said disturbing images circulating on social media showing violence and xenophobic rhetoric had triggered global condemnation, even though South African authorities had publicly opposed such attacks.
“The images pervading both mainstream and social media depicting violence, carnage and targeted xenophobic killings of foreign nationals and demonstrations characterized by xenophobic rhetoric, hate speeches and incendiary anti-migrant statements by the arrowheads of such rallies, have generated worldwide condemnation,” she stated.
However, she noted that senior South African officials, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, and Police Affairs Minister Firoz Cachalia, had condemned any form of extrajudicial violence and anti-foreigner sentiment.
According to the Minister, protests led by a local anti-migration group took place in Pretoria and Johannesburg between April 27 and 29, 2026, with heavy police presence and crowd-control measures.
“The protests spearheaded by a local anti-migration movement, in Pretoria and Johannesburg, between 27 – 29 April 2026, witnessed a largely peaceful procession, under the presence of heavily armed police who occasionally sprayed teargas to deter the protesters from engaging in violent activity,” she said.
“There is no recorded killing of any Nigerian or destruction of Nigerian- owned properties during this particular protest.”
Despite this, she confirmed two separate deaths of Nigerians allegedly linked to security personnel in South Africa.
“Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel died on 25th of April 2026 as a result of injuries sustained from brutal beatings by military personnel of the South African National Defence Force on 20th April 2026 in Port Elizabeth,” she said.
She also disclosed that “Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew also died following an alleged interaction with members of the Tshwane Metro Police, and his body discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary on 20th April 2026.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu described both deaths as “utterly condemnable and unacceptable,” adding that Nigeria was demanding accountability.
“This is utterly condemnable and unacceptable. The Nigeria High Commission is closely following investigations into these unfortunate incidents and Nigeria demands justice be done in these cases,” she said.
She confirmed that another round of demonstrations is expected between May 4 and 8, 2026, and said President Tinubu had directed heightened diplomatic engagement.
“President Bola Tinubu has directed that the situation be monitored very closely,” she said.
She added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner to Nigeria over the unrest.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also said Nigerian diplomatic missions were working with South African authorities to protect citizens, while voluntary evacuation plans were being arranged.
“The president has reiterated that the priority at this time remains the safety of our citizens,” she said, adding that “arrangements are currently underway to collate details of Nigerians in South Africa for voluntary repatriation flights for those seeking assistance to return home.”
She noted that “so far 130 applicants have duly registered for the exercise,” with the number expected to rise.
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The Minister also recalled Nigeria’s historic role in South Africa’s liberation struggle, urging renewed commitment to protecting foreign nationals.
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