The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has announced the release of the Nigerian girls who were recently detained abroad, saying they are on their way back to Nairobi.
Their release follows public concern over a viral video showing the girls in detention, which prompted calls for the Nigerian government to intervene.
On Instagram, #QueenBethia posted the video on Sunday: “Please tag every relevant authority because this is nonsense!!!! This cannot keep happening!! Mauritius is notorious for this!!!”
“They have been held at the Mauritius airport since July 31, 2026,” she announced.
NiDCOM, in a statement on Monday by its Digital Media Unit, disclosed that the girls had regained their freedom and that efforts were underway to ensure the circumstances surrounding their detention were fully addressed.
“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.
NiDCOM also stated that its Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has contacted the relevant Nigerian mission to pursue the case with the authorities in the country where the event occurred.
“The Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, is actively engaging the relevant Nigerian Embassy, which has formally taken up this matter with the authorities of the country concerned, to ensure full accountability and prevent any recurrence,” the statement read.
The commission restated its commitment to the care and protection of Nigerians living or traveling abroad, stating that the action is consistent with the federal government’s enhanced emphasis on citizens’ welfare.
“NiDCOM, in line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, remains committed to the welfare and protection of all Nigerians at home and abroad,” it added.
NiDCOM did not reveal the girls’ identities, the country where they were detained, or the circumstances surrounding their detention.
The commission also did not specify when they were scheduled to arrive in Nairobi or Nigeria.
Similarly, neither the Mauritius government nor the airport has officially stated the reasons for their delay at the airport.
