Nigeria Accuses South African Police of Killing Nigerians; Calls for Accountability
In late June 2024, the Nigerian government publicly blamed South African police for the death of a Nigerian man in Pretoria, asserting that officers from the Tshwane Metro Police used “cruel interrogation techniques” that resulted in a fatality. The accusation was conveyed in an emailed statement from Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry and later reported by Bloomberg.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to the ministry’s statement, the victim was detained on June 28 and subjected to harsh questioning that led to his death. The same official is also under suspicion for the alleged extrajudicial killing of another Nigerian, while a third Nigerian died under circumstances described as “highly suspicious.” The ministry argued that evidence gathered by its diplomatic missions in South Africa establishes a basis for criminal liability on the part of the South African government and police under international law.
- Victim’s name and exact age were not disclosed in the public statement.
- The Nigerian Foreign Ministry said the data collected “lay the basis for criminal liability” on South African authorities.
- The ministry warned that regional and international action would be pursued to hold those responsible accountable.
Official Reactions from Both Countries
Nigeria’s senior police spokesman, Aliyu Giwa, took to the platform X (formerly Twitter) to acknowledge public anguish while urging restraint:
“We are aware of the pain and anger caused by recent attacks on Nigerians abroad… As an institution dedicated to protecting the lives of Nigerian people, we deeply understand these concerns. However, this is a time for calm and restraint… violence would not protect Nigerians abroad and would ‘only create additional crises.’”
South African authorities have not issued a detailed public response to the specific allegations, though the country’s government has previously stated that it has “nothing to hide” regarding xenophobia concerns.
Broader Context of Xenophobic Tensions
The incident follows a surge in anti‑immigrant demonstrations across South Africa that have called for the expulsion of undocumented migrants. Diplomatic relations between Pretoria and Abuja have been strained as a result, with hundreds of Nigerian nationals evacuated from South Africa and several Nigerian politicians advocating punitive measures.
Some Nigerian lawmakers have suggested nationalising South African companies operating in Nigeria as a retaliatory step, while the Nigerian Senate previously recommended the suspension of such firms’ operations within Nigeria.
Historical Precedents and Previous Calls for Action
This is not the first time Nigeria has threatened action against South Africa over perceived mistreatment of its citizens. A few months prior to the June incident, as anti‑immigration protests intensified, the Nigerian Senate urged the suspension of South African businesses in Nigeria. In addition, Allen Onyema, CEO of Air Peace—Nigeria’s largest airline—called for a boycott of South African companies and urged Nigerians to halt investment in South African‑based enterprises.
- Senate recommendation: suspension of South African corporate activity in Nigeria (early 2024).
- Air Peace CEO’s public call for consumer boycott and investment withdrawal (mid‑2024).
- Previous diplomatic notes: Nigeria has repeatedly warned South Africa about the treatment of its nationals abroad.
Implications for Regional Stability
Escalating tensions between two of Africa’s largest economies risk disrupting trade, investment, and people‑to‑people exchanges that have benefited both nations for decades. Analysts warn that prolonged diplomatic friction could encourage further xenophobic violence and undermine regional integration efforts led by bodies such as the African Union.
Observers recommend that both governments engage in transparent investigations, allow independent oversight, and pursue dialogue mechanisms to address grievances before they spiral into broader conflict.
As the situation develops, the international community will be watching closely to see whether accountability measures are pursued and whether diplomatic channels can restore trust between Nigeria and South Africa.
