Nigeria's Foreign Ministry Celebrates Release of Nationals

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria announced the successful release of six Nigerian nationals who were detained in Côte d'Ivoire on allegations of economic crimes. The ministry received official communication from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Abidjan confirming that four of the detained Nigerians were released on Monday, June 22, 2026, while the remaining two regained their freedom on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

The ministry commended Ambassador Nwabiola C. Ezenwa and the entire embassy staff for their steadfast commitment and tireless diplomatic efforts that led to this positive resolution.

The embassy maintained regular consular access to the detained Nigerians to ensure their welfare throughout their detention and engaged with relevant authorities in Côte d'Ivoire, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice. The Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed profound appreciation to the government of Côte d'Ivoire for its constructive cooperation, which facilitated the resolution of the matter, emphasizing Nigeria's commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of its citizens abroad.