The government of Mozambique has deported 13 Nigerians without charges as 29 remain in detention
The deportees were among 42 Nigerians earlier arrested by Mozambican authorities.
They arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Friday, March 27, 2026, on a South African Airways flight.
Mozambican officials had alleged that the Nigerians were operating without valid documentation.
However, the deported individuals debunked the claims, maintaining that they held legitimate residence permits, with the exception of one person whose visa reportedly expired just a day before the arrests.
“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.
Meanwhile, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has criticised the development, accusing Mozambican authorities of breaching due process and fundamental rights.
While speaking for the Commission’s Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the agency’s representative, Dipo Odebowale, said the deportees were treated unfairly.
“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 returnees also expressed concern over the situation of the 29 Nigerians still detained in Maputo, calling for swift diplomatic intervention.
“They have done nothing wrong. The government must act fast to secure their release,” another returnee said.
While urging Nigerians abroad to comply with the laws of their host countries, Dabiri-Erewa emphasised that foreign authorities must equally adhere to lawful procedures.
“No Nigerian should be punished for an offence they did not commit,” she said.
