NIDCOM Condemns Deportation of Nigerians from Mozambique, Alleges Rights Violations
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The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has criticised the deportation of dozens of Nigerians from Mozambique, describing the process as a breach of due process and human rights.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Commission disclosed that 40 out of 42 Nigerians arrested in Mozambique have now been returned to Nigeria. The deportees reportedly arrived in three separate batches between March 24 and 27 via international airlines.
NIDCOM, through its spokesperson Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said those affected were apprehended without proper justification despite holding valid residency documents. The agency maintained that the arrests and subsequent deportations were carried out arbitrarily.
According to the Commission, Mozambican authorities claimed the operation was part of routine immigration enforcement in Maputo. However, NIDCOM faulted the process, noting that Nigerian diplomatic officials were neither informed nor granted access to the detainees.
The agency also raised concerns over allegations that personal funds belonging to some deportees were confiscated and not returned. Some individuals further claimed additional money was withdrawn from their accounts during detention.
Two Nigerians are still in Mozambique, including one married to a local citizen and another reportedly born in the country.
NIDCOM called for adherence to international standards in handling migrants and urged Mozambican authorities to respect the rights of foreign nationals.
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