By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Federal Government, through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has condemned the arrest of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique, describing the action as “unacceptable” and demanding their immediate release or formal arraignment.
In a statement issued on Sunday, March 8, 2026, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed grave concern over reports that the individuals were singled out and detained without formal charges.
According to the NiDCOM boss, “It was disturbing that only Nigerians were reportedly singled out during the operation”.
Describing the incident as distasteful and worrying, she stressed that “if any of the individuals had violated Mozambican laws, the appropriate step would be to arraign them before a court of competent jurisdiction rather than detain them without explanation”.
Dabiri-Erewa noted that the alleged selective arrest of Nigerians suggests what could be described as a xenophobic action against Nigerian citizens.
She urged the Mozambican authorities to release the detained Nigerians immediately or to formally charge them in court, following due legal process.
“According to reports, the Nigerians were allegedly picked up at a spare parts market, where they were singled out among other traders and individuals present at the location without any clear allegations or explanations for their arrest,” the statement noted.
The statement added that the individuals involved have been confirmed to be legal residents in Mozambique, while the country’s Attorney General is reportedly unaware of any charges filed against them.
“Some of the detained Nigerians were beaten, had their personal belongings confiscated, and several of them are currently ill and in need of medical attention,” the Commission alleged.