In an update published by Club of Mozambique (and widely circulated in Nigerian media), the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has condemned the “selective arrest” of 42 Nigerians at a spare parts market in Mozambique. NiDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the incident as a xenophobic attack, noting that the affected individuals are legal residents who were allegedly beaten and robbed of their belongings.
The commission has called on Mozambican authorities to either charge the detainees if they have committed any offense or release them immediately. Reports indicate that the Attorney General of Mozambique was not aware of the arrests, suggesting a rogue police operation.
Validation: The Punch and Daily Post provided further details on the diplomatic friction. The Punch reported that “Dabiri-Erewa flays the arrest as distasteful,” while Daily Post highlighted that “many of the detainees have fallen sick and need medical attention.”
Echotitbits take: This incident tests Nigeria’s “Citizen Diplomacy” pillar. Watch for a formal summons of the Mozambican ambassador in Abuja if the detainees are not released or properly charged within 48 hours.
Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/news/nidcom-nido-flay-arrest-of-42-nigerians-in-mozambique-demand-release/, March 10, 2026
Photo credit: The Guardian
