NiDCOM secures release of Nigerian girls detained in Mauritius

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has confirmed the release of a group of Nigerian girls who were detained in Mauritius after the incident sparked outrage on social media.

The commission disclosed on Monday that the girls had regained their freedom and were travelling back to Nairobi, adding that diplomatic efforts were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding their detention.

In a statement issued by its Digital Media Unit, NiDCOM said it was working with the relevant Nigerian diplomatic mission to ensure the matter was fully investigated.

“The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission 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 statement said.

NiDCOM also revealed that its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, had engaged the Nigerian Embassy, which has formally taken up the matter with Mauritian authorities.

According to the commission, the intervention is aimed at ensuring accountability and preventing a recurrence of similar incidents involving Nigerians travelling abroad.

The detention attracted widespread attention after a video circulated online showing the girls at an airport detention facility.

An Instagram user, identified as #Queenbethia, claimed the girls had been held at Mauritius Airport since July 31, 2026, and appealed to Nigerian authorities to intervene.

NiDCOM reiterated its commitment to protecting the interests and welfare of Nigerians abroad, saying it would continue to work with diplomatic missions whenever citizens face challenges outside the country.

The commission, however, did not disclose the identities of the affected Nigerians or the specific circumstances that led to their detention.

Mauritian authorities have yet to issue an official statement explaining the incident.