A group of young Nigerian women held at a Mauritian airport since July 31 have been released and are en route to Kenya, according to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
The diplomatic intervention followed widespread public outcry triggered by a viral video showing the women in custody, which prompted calls for urgent government action.
In a statement released on Monday by its Digital Media Unit, the agency confirmed that the women were freed and that diplomatic steps were underway to address the situation.
“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.
The agency added that its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, is working alongside the relevant Nigerian embassy to pursue full accountability with local authorities and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
NiDCOM reiterated its mandate to safeguard Nigerians living or travelling overseas as part of its commitment to citizen protection under the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”.
The identities of the women, the specific reasons for their arrest, and the exact timeline for their arrival in Nairobi or Nigeria remain undisclosed by the commission.