March 28, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
At least 13 Nigerian nationals have been deported from Mozambique without formal charges, while 29 others remain in detention, sparking concerns over alleged human rights violations and diplomatic tensions between both countries.
The deported individuals were part of a larger group of 42 Nigerians initially arrested by Mozambican authorities under unclear circumstances. Reports indicate that the arrests were carried out without any formal charges being filed against the detainees.
According to officials of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the deportees arrived in Lagos aboard a South African Airways flight and were received at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Representatives of the commission described the treatment of the Nigerians as unfair and raised concerns about due process.
Mozambican authorities reportedly claimed that the affected individuals lacked proper documentation. However, testimonies from the deportees contradict this claim, with many insisting they possessed valid residence and travel permits, except for one individual whose visa had expired shortly before the deportation.
The deportees further revealed that they were arrested at their workplaces in Maputo and detained without explanation, despite not committing any known offence. They have called on the Nigerian government to intervene and secure the release of the remaining 29 Nigerians still in custody.
NiDCOM officials have expressed optimism that Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will engage Mozambican authorities to resolve the matter diplomatically and ensure justice for those affected. The incident has raised broader concerns about the treatment of foreign nationals and the need for adherence to international legal standards, as calls grow for transparency and accountability from Mozambican authorities.