By Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
The Federal Government, through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has strongly protested the detention of 42 Nigerian nationals in Mozambique, describing the development as unacceptable and calling for their prompt release or immediate prosecution in line with due legal procedures.
In a statement released on Sunday, March 8, 2026, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, voiced serious concern over reports that the Nigerians were allegedly singled out and detained without any formal charges.
Dabiri-Erewa described the situation as troubling, noting that reports suggested only Nigerians were targeted during the operation.
She said if any of the individuals had committed offences under Mozambican law, the proper course of action would be to charge them before a competent court rather than holding them without explanation
The NiDCOM chief further described the reported selective arrest of Nigerians as a development that raises concerns of possible xenophobic treatment against the country’s citizens.
She therefore urged authorities in Mozambique to either free the detained Nigerians immediately or formally prosecute them in accordance with the law.
According to the Commission, the Nigerians were reportedly apprehended at a spare parts market where they were singled out among other traders and individuals present, without any clear accusations or reasons given for their arrest.
NiDCOM also stated that the detained individuals have been confirmed as legal residents of Mozambique, while the country’s Attorney General is reportedly unaware of any charges filed against them.
The Commission additionally alleged that some of the detainees were assaulted during the operation, had their belongings seized, and that several of them are currently unwell and require urgent medical care.
