13 Nigerian Nationals Deported From Mozambique Without Charges, 29 Others Still Detained

There is growing outrage over the treatment of Nigerian nationals in Mozambique after 13 citizens were deported without formal charges, while 29 others remain in detention in the capital, Maputo.

The deported Nigerians, part of a group of 42 initially arrested by Mozambican authorities, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Friday, March 27, 2026, aboard a South African Airways flight.

Authorities in Mozambique had claimed the Nigerians were operating without valid documentation.

However, the returnees rejected the allegation, insisting they possessed legitimate residence permits, except for one individual whose visa reportedly expired just a day before the crackdown.

“They picked us up from our businesses without explanation. We had valid documents. We committed no crime,” one of the deportees said, describing the operation as arbitrary and unjust.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission condemned the development, accusing Mozambican authorities of violating due process and basic rights.

Speaking on behalf of the Commission’s Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, an agency representative, Dipo Odebowale, said the deportees were subjected to unfair treatment.

“These Nigerians were not fairly treated. We expect the Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to urgently engage Mozambican authorities to ensure justice,” he said.

The deportees also raised alarm over the fate of the 29 Nigerians still being held in detention in Maputo, urging immediate diplomatic intervention.

“They have done nothing wrong. The government must act fast to secure their release,” another returnee said.

While reiterating the need for Nigerians abroad to respect the laws of their host countries, Dabiri-Erewa stressed that adherence to legal procedures by foreign authorities is non-negotiable.

“No Nigerian should be punished for an offence they did not commit,” she said.