By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has confirmed that 40 Nigerians arrested in Mozambique have been deported to Nigeria, while calling for calm among Nigerians in South Africa amid reports of alleged violence involving Nigerians celebrating a cultural festival in the country.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed that the deportees arrived in Nigeria in three batches after being detained for several weeks in Mozambique.
According to a statement issued by the Commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the deportees returned aboard South African Airways flight SA60 and Ethiopian Airlines flights on March 24, 26 and 27, 2026, arriving in groups of 13, 16 and 11 respectively. Two Nigerians remain in Mozambique due to special circumstances.
NiDCOM noted that the deportation process did not follow due procedure, describing the arrests and detention of the Nigerians as inhumane and a violation of their fundamental human rights. The Commission stated that the affected individuals were reportedly arrested at their various business locations despite possessing valid residency documents.
Although Mozambican authorities cited immigration-related issues as the basis for the arrests, documents presented by the Nigerians suggested otherwise, according to the Commission.
Some of the deportees, who were received by NiDCOM officials in Lagos, alleged that money and other valuables taken from them during detention were not returned upon deportation. They also claimed that large sums were withdrawn from their mobile banking applications while they were in custody.
The Commission further expressed concern that the Mozambican authorities allegedly failed to notify the Nigerian Embassy during the arrests and detention of the citizens, adding that attempts by embassy officials to intervene were reportedly rebuffed.
It was gathered that a total of 42 Nigerians had initially been arrested in Mozambique at their places of business, with many insisting that they had complied with all legal requirements to live and work in the country. They also alleged that they were detained for several days before being processed for deportation.
Of the two Nigerians who were not deported, one is reportedly married to a Mozambican citizen, while the other was born in the country.
Meanwhile, Dabiri-Erewa has advised Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm following reports of alleged violence against some Nigerians during a cultural celebration. She described the incident as possibly arising from misunderstanding or misinterpretation and assured that the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is already investigating the matter.
Mozambican authorities are yet to release an official statement on the deportations, a development that observers say may heighten concerns about the treatment of foreign nationals and immigration enforcement in the country.
