The arrest of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique has drawn condemnation from the Federal Government, with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) describing the detentions as unlawful and demanding urgent action.
In a statement issued on Sunday, March 8, 2026, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed serious concern that the Nigerians were reportedly singled out and detained without formal charges.
“It is disturbing that only Nigerians were targeted during the operation”, Dabiri-Erewa said, describing the arrests as both distasteful and worrying. She emphasized that if any individual had violated Mozambican law, the proper course would be arraignment before a competent court rather than detention without explanation.
The NiDCOM boss warned that the selective targeting of Nigerians could indicate xenophobic motives. She urged Mozambican authorities to either release the detainees immediately or charge them in court following due legal process.
According to reports, the Nigerians were allegedly arrested at a spare parts market, singled out from other traders without clear allegations. All detainees have been confirmed as legal residents in Mozambique, and the country’s Attorney General reportedly has no record of any formal charges against them.
Dabiri-Erewa also raised concerns about the treatment of the detainees, noting that some were beaten, had personal belongings confiscated, and several are currently ill and in need of medical attention.
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