Commission confirms freedom of stranded travellers, engages embassy to demand answers and prevent repeat incidents

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has confirmed the release of a group of Nigerian girls who were detained at an airport in Mauritius, bringing relief after days of anxiety sparked by a viral social media video.

The girls, who had reportedly been held since July 31, regained their freedom on Monday and are now en route to Nairobi, according to a statement issued by NiDCOM’s Digital Media Unit.

Their ordeal drew widespread attention after a video shared online showed them in detention, triggering outrage and urgent calls for government intervention. In the clip, circulated by a user identified as #Queenbethia, the situation was described as unacceptable, with claims that such incidents had become recurring in Mauritius.

Responding to the public outcry, NiDCOM said it had stepped in and was working through diplomatic channels to address the matter.

“The Nigerian girls who were previously detained have been released. They are currently on their way back to Nairobi,” the commission said.

NiDCOM added that its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, is actively engaging the Nigerian mission in the country to ensure a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the detention.

According to the commission, the embassy has formally taken up the issue with the relevant authorities, with a focus on ensuring accountability and preventing similar incidents in the future.

While confirming the release, NiDCOM did not disclose the identities of the girls or the specific reasons for their detention. Authorities in Mauritius have also yet to issue an official statement explaining what led to the incident.

The commission reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad, stressing that the intervention aligns with the Federal Government’s renewed focus on citizen welfare.

For now, attention remains on the safe return of the girls and the outcome of ongoing diplomatic engagements expected to shed more light on the incident.