40 Nigerians deported from Mozambique

……NIDCOM urges calm over South Africa incident

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has confirmed that 40 Nigerians arrested in Mozambique have been deported back to Nigeria, raising concerns about alleged human rights violations and immigration enforcement procedures.

Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, also appealed for calm among Nigerians living in South Africa following reports of violence involving Nigerians during a cultural celebration.

She said the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is currently investigating the situation, describing the incident as a possible misunderstanding and urging all parties to avoid escalation.

According to the Commission, the deported Nigerians returned to the country in three batches of 13, 16 and 11 persons on March 24, 26 and 27, aboard flights operated by South African Airways and Ethiopian Airlines.

Two Nigerians remain in Mozambique due to special circumstances, including one who is married to a Mozambican citizen and another who was born in the country.

NIDCOM stated that the deportation process allegedly did not follow due diplomatic or legal procedures.

In a statement signed by the Commission’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the deportation was described as inhumane and a violation of the affected Nigerians’ fundamental human rights.

He said many of those arrested reportedly possessed valid residency documents at the time of their arrest.