The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) says the Nigerian girls recently detained in Mauritius have been freed and are heading back to Nairobi.
The announcement followed public outrage over a viral video showing the girls being held at the airport, with many Nigerians urging the Federal Government to intervene.
An Instagram user, #Queenbethia, who shared the video on Sunday, claimed the girls had been stranded at Mauritius airport since July 31, 2026.
In a statement released on Monday, the commission confirmed their release and said it was taking further steps to address the incident.
“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 said its Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, had been in contact with the Nigerian Embassy, which is already engaging the relevant authorities over the matter.
“The Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, is actively engaging the relevant Nigerian Embassy who have 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 noted that safeguarding Nigerians overseas remains one of its priorities under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“NiDCOM, in line with Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, remains committed to the welfare and protection of all Nigerians home and abroad,” it added.
While confirming the girls’ freedom, the commission did not reveal their identities or explain the circumstances that led to their detention. It also gave no timeline for their return to Nigeria.
Authorities in Mauritius have yet to issue an official explanation regarding the incident or the reason the girls were held.