NiDCOM Condemns Arrest Of 42 Nigerians In Mozambique, Demands Immediate Release

NiDCOM Condemns Arrest of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique, Demands Immediate Release The Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has strongly condemned the arrest of 42 Nigerian citizens in Mozambique, describing the incident as “disturbing and unacceptable” and calling for their immediate release if no valid charges are laid against them. In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur‑Rahman Balogun, Dabiri‑Erewa expressed deep concern over reports suggesting that only Nigerians were singled out and detained during a law‑enforcement operation at a spare parts market. According to NiDCOM’s statement, the 42 detained Nigerians confirmed to be legal residents in Mozambique were apprehended from a spare parts market without any explanation, allegations, or formal charges laid against them. Some were reportedly beaten, had their personal belongings seized, and are said to be in poor health and requiring medical attention. Dabiri‑Erewa described the situation as distasteful, particularly because other traders and people present at the market during the operation were reportedly not arrested, raising concerns about possible xenophobic targeting of Nigerian nationals. The NiDCOM boss urged Mozambican authorities to immediately release the detained Nigerians if they have not committed any offence, or to formally arraign them before a competent court if investigations suggest law violations. She stressed that detaining individuals without prompt explanation or charges undermines respect for legal rights and due process, and called on Mozambique to uphold justice and the dignity of Nigerian citizens abroad.

The arrest has drawn attention from both government officials and diaspora advocacy groups, who view the selective detention as part of a worrying pattern of Nigerians being unfairly targeted in parts of Southern Africa. Dabiri‑Erewa reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to protecting the welfare and rights of its citizens living overseas. Officials in Abuja say diplomatic channels have been activated to secure the release of the detained Nigerians and ensure they are treated fairly under Mozambican and international NiDCOM said it will continue monitoring the situation closely and work with Nigeria’s foreign mission in Mozambique to facilitate urgent action. Analysts say prompt diplomatic engagement will be crucial to prevent further deterioration of bilateral relations and reassure Nigerians abroad of government support.