The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has raised concern over the deportation of 40 Nigerian nationals from Mozambique, describing the action as a breach of due process and a violation of their fundamental rights.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commission said a total of 40 out of 42 Nigerians arrested in various locations across Maputo have been returned to Nigeria in multiple batches, while two individuals remain in Mozambique.
According to NIDCOM spokesperson Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the deportations were carried out without proper legal procedures, as the affected Nigerians were “randomly arrested, detained, and removed despite possessing valid documentation.”
The deportees reportedly arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on March 24, 26, and 27, aboard South African Airways flight SA60 and Ethiopian Airlines, in groups of 13, 16, and 11.
The Commission condemned the handling of the operation, describing it as “inhuman,” and alleged that Mozambican authorities failed to engage the Nigerian Embassy throughout the process, despite repeated attempts at diplomatic intervention.
It further stated that funds allegedly confiscated during detention were not returned, while additional deductions were reportedly made from the victims’ mobile financial accounts.
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NIDCOM also noted that one of the two Nigerians still in Mozambique is married to a Mozambican citizen, while the other was born in the country, raising further questions about the deportation exercise.
The Commission maintained that the affected Nigerians were engaged in legitimate business activities and possessed valid residence permits, insisting that the arrests were carried out without prior notice or formal charges.
It added that earlier reports showed 13 of the 42 Nigerians had been deported before the remaining group was repatriated, with some detainees held for several days before removal.
Mozambican authorities had reportedly justified the arrests as part of an immigration enforcement operation, claiming some of the affected persons lacked valid documentation—an allegation the deportees have disputed.