NIDCOM Demands Release of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique

The Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) is calling for the immediate release of 42 Nigerians recently arrested in Mozambique, particularly in a spare parts market, amid concerns of xenophobic attacks against Nigerian citizens. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NIDCOM, expressed her distress over the situation, noting that no formal charges have been reported against the detainees.

A statement issued from Abuja on Sunday by the agency's Director of Media and Public Relations, Abdur Rahman Balogun, highlighted that the arrests appear to be linked to xenophobic sentiments. Dabiri-Erewa urged Mozambican authorities to either release the detainees immediately or ensure that due legal processes are followed.

Reports indicate that some detainees have suffered physical abuse and health issues while in custody. This incident adds to a troubling history of xenophobic violence against Nigerians in Southern Africa, recalling similar events in 2019 that led to diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa.