NiDCOM confirms release of Nigerian girls detained in Mauritius

NiDCOM confirms release of Nigerian girls detained in Mauritius

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has confirmed the release of Nigerian girls who were reportedly detained at an airport in Mauritius, following public concern and calls for intervention by Nigerian authorities.

NiDCOM said the girls had regained their freedom and were travelling back to Nairobi, Kenya, while efforts were ongoing to address the circumstances surrounding their detention and prevent a recurrence.

The incident gained public attention after a video showing the girls in detention circulated on social media, prompting Nigerians to call on relevant government agencies and diplomatic authorities to intervene.

An Instagram user identified as #Queenbethia shared the video on Sunday and appealed to authorities to take urgent action, alleging that the girls had been held at the Mauritius airport since July 31, 2026.

The post generated widespread reactions, with many social media users expressing concern over the welfare of the girls and demanding clarification on why they were being held.

In a statement issued on Monday through its Digital Media Unit, NiDCOM announced that the girls had been released and were already on their way back to Nairobi.

“The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) wishes to inform the public that the Nigerian girls who were previously detained have been released.

“They are currently on their way back to Nairobi,” the commission stated.

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NiDCOM said its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, was engaging the relevant Nigerian diplomatic mission, which had formally taken up the matter with the authorities in Mauritius.

According to the commission, the engagement is intended to establish accountability, clarify the circumstances surrounding the detention and help prevent similar incidents involving Nigerian travellers.

“The Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, is actively engaging the relevant Nigerian Embassy, who have formally taken up this matter with the authorities of the country concerned, to ensure full accountability and prevent any recurrence,” the statement added.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and interests of Nigerians living, working, studying or travelling outside the country.

NiDCOM said the intervention aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places emphasis on the welfare and protection of Nigerians at home and abroad.

“NiDCOM, in line with Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, remains committed to the welfare and protection of all Nigerians home and abroad,” the commission said.

However, the commission did not disclose the identities or number of the girls, the exact circumstances that led to their detention, or whether the matter was connected to immigration documentation, travel requirements or other airport procedures.

NiDCOM also did not provide details about when the girls were expected to arrive in Nairobi or whether they would later return to Nigeria.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official public statement from the Mauritius government, immigration authorities or airport officials explaining why the Nigerian travellers were held.

The incident has renewed discussions about the experiences of Nigerian travellers at foreign airports and the importance of timely consular support when citizens encounter immigration, travel or other challenges outside the country.

The release of the girls has brought relief to their families, friends and concerned Nigerians who had called for urgent intervention. Further details are expected as Nigerian diplomatic authorities continue engagement with their Mauritian counterparts over the incident.

NiDCOM confirms release of Nigerian girls detained in Mauritius