The Federal Government yesterday formally protested to South Africa, demanding stronger protection for its citizens and thorough investigations into the attacks against Nigerians during the anti-immigration protests in the former apartheid enclave.

It also demanded a thorough and impartial probe from South Africa into the killing of two Nigerians in the country. The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg last week announced the killing of Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew following anti-migrant sentiment.

At a meeting between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Dunoma Ahmed, and South Africa’s acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele, the Nigerian government also asked the Southern African nation’s authorities to release autopsy reports, case files, and other relevant documents to the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate in Johannesburg.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, told reporters in Abuja that the Federal Government further requested full access for the victims’ families and complete transparency. Ahmed urged South African authorities to take proactive steps to prevent incitement and intimidation targeting Nigerians and other foreigners.

According to him, Nigeria is monitoring developments closely and may take further steps if necessary, while maintaining that priority remains the protection of its citizens abroad. As part of ongoing diplomatic engagement, the Federal Government said it is fast-tracking the activation of an Early Warning Mechanism recently agreed with South Africa to enhance communication and rapid response to emerging tensions.

Meanwhile, amid the rising tensions, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, said he had spoken with his Nigerian counterpart Bianca OdimegwuOjukwu, according to Business Africa Insider.

Both sides reaffirmed long standing bilateral ties and agreed to deepen cooperation, including strengthening people-to-people relations and jointly addressing irregular migration through sustainable solutions.