NIDCOM Urges Release of 42 Nigerians Detained in Mozambique Amid Allegations of Xenophobic Targeting

NIDCOM Chairperson Abike Dabiri-Erewa calls for the release of 42 Nigerians held in Mozambique, citing selective arrests and a lack of formal charges.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 9, 2026, 7:02 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from iNews

Allegations of Selective Law Enforcement

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has expressed "disturbing" concern over the mass detention of 42 Nigerians currently held in Mozambique. According to a statement released on Sunday by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the agency’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, the Nigerian citizens were allegedly singled out during a sweep at a local spare parts market. Witnesses claim that while other traders and individuals were present, only those of Nigerian nationality were apprehended, leading to accusations of a targeted, xenophobic operation.

A Lack of Formal Charges and Legal Transparency

NIDCOM Chairperson Abike Dabiri-Erewa has labeled the arrests as "distasteful," emphasizing that the affected individuals have not been accused of any specific crime or legal violation. Reports from within Mozambique suggest that the local Attorney General was unaware of any formal charges pending against the group. Dabiri-Erewa has called on Mozambican authorities to either provide a legal basis for the detentions through immediate arraignment or release the citizens without further delay. "If they run afoul of the law, the authorities should arraign and charge them before a court of law," she stated, emphasizing the need for due process.

Reports of Mistreatment and Medical Urgency

Beyond the legality of the arrests, the commission has raised alarms regarding the physical safety and welfare of the detainees. Allegations have surfaced involving the beating of some Nigerians during their apprehension, as well as the seizure of personal belongings. The commission further noted that several of the 42 individuals have fallen ill while in custody and require immediate medical attention. NIDCOM is urging the Mozambican government to address these humanitarian concerns and ensure the basic rights of the residents are upheld.