The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has confirmed the deportation of 40 out of 42 Nigerians who were arrested and detained for several weeks in Mozambique.
Chairman/CEO of the Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, also called on Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain calm amid reports of alleged violence against some Nigerians during a cultural festival.
She stated that the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is currently investigating the situation, describing the incident as a possible misunderstanding and urging restraint from all parties involved.
According to NIDCOM, the deported Nigerians returned to the country in three batches—13, 16, and 11 individuals—via South African Airways flight SA60 and Ethiopian Airlines on March 24, 26, and 27.
Two Nigerians remain in Mozambique, one due to marriage to a Mozambican citizen and the other by birth.
The Commission criticized the deportation process, stating it did not follow due process.
In a statement issued by NIDCOM spokesperson Abdur-Rahman Balogun, on Tuesday night, the arrests and deportations were described as inhumane and a violation of human rights.
He noted that the affected individuals were allegedly arrested randomly despite possessing valid residency documents.
While Mozambican authorities cited immigration violations as the reason for the arrests, documentation presented by the deportees reportedly contradicts those claims. Some of the returnees alleged that personal belongings, including money and valuables, were confiscated during detention and not returned.
Others claimed that funds were withdrawn from their mobile applications without authorization.
NIDCOM further expressed concern that Mozambican authorities failed to notify or engage the Nigerian Embassy throughout the process, despite attempts by embassy officials to intervene.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the treatment of foreign nationals and the enforcement of immigration regulations in Mozambique. As of the time of reporting, Mozambican authorities have yet to release an official statement on the matter.