THE Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has confirmed the release of the Nigerian girls who were recently detained abroad, announcing that they are currently on their way back to Nairobi.
News Point Nigeria reports that the development followed widespread public concern after a viral video showed the girls in detention, prompting calls on the Nigerian government to intervene and secure their release.
The video, shared on Instagram by user #Queenbethia on Sunday, alleged that the girls had been held at Mauritius Airport since July 31, 2026.
“Pls tag every relevant authority because this is nonsense!!!! This cannot keep happening!! Mauritius is notorious for this!!!” the user wrote while appealing for urgent intervention.
Confirming the latest development in a statement issued on Monday by its Digital Media Unit, NiDCOM said the girls had regained their freedom and that efforts were ongoing 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 further disclosed that its Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, was engaging the relevant Nigerian mission to ensure the matter was formally taken up with the authorities in the country where the incident occurred.
“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 reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerians living and travelling abroad, noting that the intervention aligns with 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.
However, the commission did not disclose the identities of the girls, the specific country where they were detained, or the circumstances that led to their arrest.
It also did not indicate when the girls are expected to arrive in Nairobi or return to Nigeria.
Similarly, neither the Mauritius Government nor the airport authorities had, as of the time of filing this report, issued an official statement explaining the reasons behind the girls’ detention or delay at the airport.