# Nigeria-South Africa diplomatic tensions > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20260913-nigeria-south-africa-diplomatic-tensions > Updated: 2026-09-15T11:36:50.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 3. Diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa have escalated following the deaths of two Nigerian nationals in early September 2026. Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle was shot dead at his Johannesburg residence on September 4 after receiving threats, while James Uchechukwu Nwankwo died in Cape Town on September 5 following what has been described as ‘gruesome interrogation techniques’ by South African Police Service (SAPS) officers. Nigerian High Commissioner-designate Femi Fani-Kayode has condemned the incidents, stating these deaths bring the total number of Nigerians killed in South Africa in 2026 to eight. He alleged that at least four of these deaths involved South African police or defense officials, and claimed that since 2022, over 100 Nigerians have been killed in the country, with more than 30 deaths allegedly involving security personnel. Fani-Kayode expressed deep concern that no arrests or prosecutions have been made despite repeated diplomatic warnings, noting that ‘not one person has been arrested, detained, prosecuted or brought to justice’ for these crimes. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for transparent investigations and is considering ‘other concrete measures’ to secure cooperation, including involving the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS. In response to the violence, Nigeria’s parliament has suspended official visits and engagements with South Africa, and the country is currently boycotting South African-organized activities. Nigeria has indicated it may sever ties with South Africa if the attacks and lack of protection persist. Adding to the legal and social pressure, human rights lawyer Femi Falana has urged the Nigerian government to pursue legal action against South Africa, potentially through the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Simultaneously, the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has condemned the killings and called for enhanced safety measures for the Nigerian community. ## Claims - Eight Nigerians have been murdered in South Africa in 2026. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Four of the eight Nigerians murdered in 2026 were killed by South African police officers. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle was shot dead at his home in Johannesburg on September 4. (corroborated by 7 sources) - James Uchechukwu Nwankwo died on September 5 following alleged brutal interrogation by South African police. (corroborated by 7 sources) - More than 100 Nigerians have been killed in South Africa since 2022. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Over 30 Nigerians were allegedly killed by South African police or defense personnel since 2022. (corroborated by 6 sources) - No arrests or prosecutions have been made regarding these killings despite Nigerian concerns. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Lawyer Femi Falana urged the Nigerian government to sue South Africa before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-15: Nigeria-South Africa relations deteriorate amid xenophobic attacks Diplomatic ties between Nigeria and South Africa have hit a low point following reports of renewed xenophobic attacks and the murder of several Nigerian nationals, including incidents involving South African-se 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-south-africa-relations-deteriorate-amid-xenophobic-attacks ### 2026-09-13: Nigeria demands justice after two nationals killed in South Africa Nigerian officials and human rights lawyers are demanding justice from South Africa after the deaths of two Nigerians in Johannesburg, raising concerns over rising xenophobic violence and police misconduct. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/femi-fani-kayode-demands-justice-for-nigerians-killed-in-south-africa ### 2026-09-11: Nigeria demands justice after two nationals killed in South Africa Nigeria has demanded justice following the deaths of Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle and James Nwankwo in South Africa, amid rising concerns over xenophobic violence and police misconduct. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-bishop-killed-in-johannesburg-shooting --- Cite as: Nigeria-South Africa diplomatic tensions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20260913-nigeria-south-africa-diplomatic-tensions