Nigeria Condemns Arrest of 42 Citizens in Mozambique as Disturbing, Demands Immediate Release

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Federal Government of Nigeria have strongly condemned the arrest and detention of 42 Nigerian nationals in Mozambique without any formal charges or clear explanation, calling the development “disturbing and unacceptable.”

The incident, which came to light on March 8 and 9, 2026, involved the apprehension of the Nigerians at a spare parts market where they were reportedly “singled out” from a crowd of traders, despite other nationalities being present. According to NiDCOM chairperson Abike Dabiri‑Erewa, the detainees are confirmed legal residents, and Mozambique’s Attorney‑General has no record of charges against them, fuelling concerns about arbitrary detention and possible xenophobic targeting.

Reports allege some of the Nigerians were beaten, had personal belongings stolen, and are now in poor health requiring medical attention while in custody. Dabiri‑Erewa condemned the arrest as “distasteful,” urging Mozambican authorities to either immediately release the detainees or formally charge and arraign them before a competent court, as due legal process requires.

The situation has drawn criticism from diaspora organisations including Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Africa, which called for urgent diplomatic engagement and protection of Nigerian citizens’ rights abroad. Observers warn that failure to address the issue could strain bilateral relations and heighten regional concerns about xenophobic arrests of foreign nationals.