The Nigerian government has urged authorities in Mozambique to immediately release 42 Nigerian nationals reportedly detained without formal charges, warning that the arrests raise concerns about possible xenophobic targeting.
The appeal was made by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), who called on Mozambican authorities to either free the detainees or bring them before a court if any laws had been violated.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Dabiri-Erewa described the incident as troubling, noting that the Nigerians were reportedly arrested during a police raid at a spare parts market where other traders were left untouched.
“It is disturbing that only Nigerians were allegedly singled out for arrest,” she said, emphasising that any suspected offences should be addressed through proper legal procedures.
NiDCOM said the detainees have been confirmed as legal residents of Mozambique and added that Nigeria’s Attorney-General had not been informed of any formal charges against them.
The commission also cited reports that some of those arrested were beaten during the operation, had personal belongings confiscated and that several required medical attention after falling ill while in custody.
Dabiri-Erewa called on Mozambican authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the detainees while the issue is being resolved and reiterated Nigeria’s demand for transparency regarding the arrests.
