Omanghana
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has confirmed the release of a group of Nigerian women detained by immigration authorities in Mauritius.
In an official update issued through its Digital Media Unit, NiDCOM said the women had regained their freedom and were travelling back to Nairobi, Kenya.
The Nigerian government intervened after a video showing the women in confinement circulated widely on Instagram and other social media platforms over the weekend.
The footage sparked public concern and prompted calls for government officials to secure their release and investigate the circumstances surrounding their detention.
Accounts shared alongside the video alleged that the women had been stranded at the Mauritius airport under restrictive conditions since July 31, 2026.
NiDCOM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa subsequently contacted the appropriate Nigerian diplomatic mission to address the situation with Mauritian immigration authorities.
The commission said it was treating the incident as an ongoing diplomatic matter and seeking clarity about the treatment of the affected travelers.
The intervention is also expected to determine whether additional measures are necessary to prevent similar incidents involving Nigerians travelling through Mauritius.
Although the women are returning to Nairobi, NiDCOM has not disclosed their exact travel arrangements or whether they will continue to Nigeria. Further details about their movements are being withheld for privacy and security reasons.
Neither NiDCOM nor Mauritian immigration authorities have publicly explained the specific documentation or regulatory issues that led to the detention.
NiDCOM’s Head of Media, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, expressed hope that the women would share their experiences after reaching a safe and comfortable environment.
Their accounts could help authorities establish what happened and determine whether updated travel guidance should be issued to Nigerians planning to visit or transit through Mauritius.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare of Nigerians abroad and engaging relevant diplomatic authorities whenever citizens encounter immigration or legal difficulties in foreign countries.
Source: Omanghana
