Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has demanded quick and clear answers from South Africa.
This follows the deaths of two Nigerians and a series of protests against foreigners. The government warned that these events could harm diplomatic relations and put its citizens in danger.
The government called in South Africa’s acting top diplomat in Nigeria, Mr Lesoli Machele, for a meeting in Abuja on Monday. The meeting was led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed.
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According to a statement from the ministry’s spokesman, Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa, the two deaths at the centre of the dispute are those of Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Childiebere Amaramiro.
Both deaths are said to be linked to attacks by South African security officers.
The ministry said: On 21 April 2025, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpeyong died while in the custody of the Tshwane Metro Police Department.
“Before his death, he reportedly suffered injuries caused by members of the South African National Defence Force.”
The government added, “Reports also show that a search of his home found no evidence of any crime.
“The facts around his detention and death have raised concerns about how security officers behaved.”
On the second case, the ministry said: “On 25 April 2026, Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro died at Livingstone Hospital in the Eastern Cape after an alleged attack by members of the South African military.”
Beyond the two deaths, Nigeria also condemned growing hostility towards foreigners.
The statement said: “The government of Nigeria notes with concern the ongoing protests in some parts of South Africa, asking foreigners, especially black people, to leave the country.” It added that some videos of the violent protests were very worrying.
Officials warned that threats from groups such as Operation Dudula and people, including Jacinta Zuma, pointed to a wider pattern of incitement.
The government demanded an immediate and open investigation into both deaths. The ministry said: “We ask for full and fair investigations into both deaths. This includes quick sharing of early findings and regular updates to the government of Nigeria.”
It also demands full help with autopsy reports, papers from the post-mortem examination, and relevant case files. It also asked for the families of the deceased to be given access to legal processes.
The government stressed that if wrongdoing is found, those responsible should face punishment, including being dismissed from their jobs or taken to court.
The government also pressed South African authorities to guarantee the safety of Nigerians living in the country. It asked for clear rules against targeting people based on their nationality, fair treatment during arrests and detention, and strong enforcement of professional standards by all relevant agencies.
While noting that South African leaders had spoken out against the violence, the government warned that words must be followed by real action.
Diplomatic talks have increased, with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, speaking with her South African counterpart to solve the crisis.
The ministry asked for calm, even though anger is rising.
Finally, the ministry called on the South African government to take strong steps to prevent more violence against Nigerians, rebuild trust within the Nigerian community, and ensure that Nigerians can live safely and with dignity in South Africa.
Answering these concerns, Mr Machele said his government would be told of Nigeria’s position. He said the South African government did not support the protests. He added that steps would be taken to ensure continued peaceful relations between the two countries.
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