A group of Nigerian citizens detained at a Mauritian airport has finally been released and is currently en route back to Nairobi, Kenya, before continuing their journey home to Nigeria.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) confirmed their release on Sunday, August 3, following widespread public outrage over a viral video showing their detention.
The incident began on July 31, 2026, when the group, which included young women who had traveled from Senegal for a vacation, was held at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam
International Airport in Mauritius.
The situation escalated into a public outcry when a social media user, identified as #Queenbethia, shared footage of the travelers in custody and
called for urgent government intervention.
According to allegations made by the social media user who shared the video, the travelers were detained because Mauritian immigration authorities claimed they did not possess sufficient funds to support their stay.
The individuals reportedly refused to sign an undisclosed document without an explanation, leading to the confiscation of their mobile phones and passports.
They were subsequently placed in an immigration deportation camp at the airport. The account further alleged that the detainees faced harsh conditions,
including being denied the ability to shower, and that one of the women fell ill from prolonged stress.
As of the time of reporting, Mauritian authorities have not issued an official statement explaining the reasons for the detention or the conditions under which the travelers were held.
The lack of formal justification has fueled broader discussions about the challenges African passport holders face at international borders.
Observers have noted that Mauritius
has occasionally drawn criticism for its treatment of West African travelers, highlighting a pattern of friction at regional transit hubs.
In response to the public pressure, NiDCOM intervened swiftly. Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, confirmed the release of the travelers and announced that the Nigerian Embassy had formally taken up the matter with the authorities in Mauritius.
“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 NiDCOM statement read.
While the Commission confirmed the travelers’ safety and their imminent return to Nairobi, it did not disclose their specific identities or provide further details about the ongoing diplomatic engagement.
The intervention underscores NiDCOM’s commitment to protecting the welfare of Nigerians abroad, a priority aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The successful repatriation of the travelers brings a measure of relief to their families and the public.
However, the incident raises significant questions about the diplomatic protocols required to protect citizens from arbitrary detentions and the need for clearer, more transparent communication between immigration authorities and foreign nationals.
