The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has confirmed the return of 40 out of 42 Nigerians deported from Mozambique.
The deportees arrived in Nigeria after spending several weeks in detention in the southern African country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the returnees arrived in three batches of 13, 16 and 11.
READ ALSO: NiDCOM Condemns Arrest of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique
He noted that they were conveyed on South African Airways flight SA60 and Ethiopian Airlines on March 24, 26 and 27, while two Nigerians remain in Mozambique.
The commission, however, criticised the deportation process, describing it as inhumane and a violation of the deportees’ human rights.
Balogun said the deportees were arbitrarily arrested in Mozambique despite valid documents, and some reported that money and valuables were confiscated during detention.
“It is saddening that while all of this was going on, the Mozambican authorities did not reach out to the Nigerian Embassy while all emissaries from the embassy were rebuffed.
“It will be recalled that the 42 Nigerians were arrested at their various business locations even when they had valid residency permits..
“Some of those affected alleged that the arrests were carried out without prior notice, insisting that they had complied with all legal requirements to live and work in Mozambique.
The deportees said they were held for several days before deportation. NiDCOM urged Nigerians in Mozambique to stay calm, noting the Nigerian High Commission is investigating the arrests and human rights breaches.
The commission has also notified the Mozambican envoy and sought redress. Of the two Nigerians still in Mozambique, one is married to a Mozambican and the other claims birth there. NiDCOM Chair Abike Dabiri-Erewa called on Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding.
The call became necessary, according to her, in the wake of the violence Nigerian citizens were subjected to while they were celebrating at a festival in that country.
She noted that the Nigerian High Commissioner in South Africa is investigating reports of attacks on Nigerians celebrating a cultural festival in the Eastern Cape province.
Tensions rose after the installation of a Nigerian community leader in the city, which some local residents misinterpreted as an attempt by the Nigerian community to gain political power.
Traditional leader Xhanti Sigcawu, who was present at Monday’s march, told newsmen that the installation ceremony had left local chiefs feeling “undermined” as the area was the “territory of the Xhosas” of South Africa.
NAN