The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has confirmed the deportation of 40 Nigerians who were arrested and detained in Mozambique for several weeks. Two others remain in the country.
The deportees arrived in Nigeria in three separate batches aboard South African Airways and Ethiopian Airlines on March 24, 26, and 27. NIDCOM noted that the deportations did not follow due process.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, described the arrests and deportations as inhumane and a violation of the deportees’ human rights. “They were randomly arrested, detained, and deported despite having valid documentation,” she said.
Mozambican authorities cited immigration issues, but documents provided by the Nigerians reportedly contradicted that claim. Some deportees also alleged that money and valuables were confiscated during detention and were not returned upon deportation, with funds reportedly missing from mobile banking apps.
NIDCOM spokesperson Abdur-Rahman Balogun said the Mozambican authorities did not engage with the Nigerian Embassy during the process, and embassy emissaries were reportedly rebuffed.
The two Nigerians who were not deported include one married to a Mozambican and another born in the country.
The 42 Nigerians had been arrested at their places of business, despite holding valid residency permits. Many reported that the arrests occurred without prior notice and that they had complied with all legal requirements for residence and work.
The detainees were reportedly held for several days before being processed for deportation. NIDCOM said it is following up on the welfare of the deportees and advocating for restitution of confiscated funds.
Dabiri-Erewa also advised Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm as the Nigerian High Commission investigates alleged incidents of violence against nationals celebrating a cultural festival. She urged both sides to avoid escalation pending verification.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns about the treatment of foreign nationals in Mozambique and the enforcement of immigration regulations in the country.
