NiDCOM Addresses Detention of Over 200 Nigerians in India

The Nigerians in Commission (NiDCOM) responded to criticism regarding over 200 Nigerians detained at the Lampur detention centre in New Delhi, India, explaining that these individuals had previously declined a government amnesty that allowed many others to return home. Rufai Oseni, co-host of Arise TV, accused NiDCOM and its chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, of inaction, specifically mentioning a detainee named Ekene, whose situation he had raised weeks earlier.

NiDCOM clarified that the Indian government had initiated a targeted amnesty for undocumented Nigerian migrants starting May 1, 2025, which allowed over 4,000 Nigerians to return home without penalties. Those who refused the amnesty were subsequently detained.

NiDCOM stated that deportation decisions are made by India and that they are still negotiating for an extension of the amnesty. Oseni criticized NiDCOM's response as inadequate and emphasized the need to focus on securing Ekene's return, who is separated from his family.