Nigeria Federal Government Condemns Arrest of 42 Nationals in Mozambique
The Nigerian government has issued a strong response following the arrest of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique, demanding their immediate release amid allegations of xenophobic targeting. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has labeled the incident as an unjust and discriminatory act against its citizens abroad.
NIDCOM's Urgent Appeal for Justice
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman and CEO of NIDCOM, has publicly called on Mozambican authorities to either release the detained Nigerians or formally charge them in a court of law. In a statement released on Sunday, March 8, 2026, Dabiri-Erewa expressed deep concern over the arrests, which occurred at a spare parts market in Mozambique.
She emphasized that the Nigerians were specifically singled out from other traders and individuals present at the market, with no allegations or explanations provided for their detention. This, according to her, points to a xenophobic attack on Nigerian citizens, undermining their rights as legal residents in Mozambique.
Details of the Arrest and Mistreatment
Reports indicate that the arrested Nigerians have faced severe mistreatment while in custody. They were allegedly beaten, their personal belongings stolen, and many have fallen sick, requiring urgent medical attention. Dabiri-Erewa lamented this situation, highlighting the physical and emotional toll on the detainees.
Furthermore, it has been confirmed that the Attorney General of Mozambique is reportedly unaware of any charges against the Nigerians, raising questions about the legality of their detention. NIDCOM has urged Mozambican authorities to ensure due process, either by arraigning the individuals if they have violated any laws or releasing them immediately.
Government's Broader Efforts for Diaspora Protection
This incident comes amid ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government to protect its citizens abroad. Recently, NIDCOM established emergency hotlines for Nigerians in the Middle East during the Iran-Israel conflict, providing immediate assistance to those in distress. The commission continues to advocate for the rights and safety of Nigerians living overseas, as seen in this urgent appeal to Mozambique.
The statement was shared via NIDCOM's official X handle, @nidcom_gov, by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, reinforcing the government's commitment to addressing diaspora issues promptly. The Nigerian federal government remains vigilant in monitoring such cases to prevent further injustices against its citizens.
