By our reporter 8.3.2026
Forty-two Nigerian spare dealers have been detained by the Mozambican authorities for what the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) described as profiling of Nigerians in an alleged xenophobic attack.
According NIDCOM the Nigerians were singled out for arrest for undisclosed reasons, beaten and their personal belongings vandalised. NIDCOM chairperson Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the incident as disturbing, noting that no offence has reportedly been levelled against the affected Nigerians.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, March 8, and signed by the agency’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa said it was “distasteful” that Nigerians were allegedly singled out for arrest.
She said that if the affected persons had violated any law, the authorities should charge them before a court.
“According to reports, the Nigerians were specifically singled out and arrested at a spare parts market, out of all the traders and individuals present in the market, without any allegations or explanations on why they were detained.
“The Nigerians arrested have been confirmed to be legal residents, and the Attorney General is reportedly not aware of any charges against them.
“They were allegedly beaten, their personal belongings stolen, and many of them are said to have fallen sick and in need of medical attention.”
Dabiri-Erewa called on authorities in Mozambique to urgently address the situation and guarantee the safety and rights of the detained Nigerians.