By Abdul Jonah
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has confirmed and frowned at the deportation of 40 Nigerians from Mozambique, following weeks of detention under controversial circumstances.
According to the Commission, the affected individuals were part of 42 Nigerians initially arrested at different business locations despite reportedly holding valid residency documents. Forty of them have now been deported back to Nigeria in three batches between March 24 and 27, 2026 via South African Airways and Ethiopian Airlines, while two remain in Mozambique due to personal circumstances.
NiDCOM described the deportation process as a violation of due process and human rights. The agency says many of the deportees were allegedly arrested without prior notice, detained for several days, and deported without proper engagement with Nigerian authorities.
Spokesperson of the Commission, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, also revealed that some returnees claimed their money and personal belongings were not returned, with additional allegations that funds were withdrawn from their mobile applications while in detention.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm amid reports of alleged violence targeting Nigerians during a cultural festival.
She described the situation as a possible misunderstanding and assured that the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is currently investigating the incident.
The Mozambican authorities are yet to issue an official statement, but the development is raising fresh concerns over the treatment of foreign nationals and adherence to immigration protocols.
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