Idara Jerome, Uyo

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has confirmed the release of the Nigerian girls who were detained in Mauritius.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Commission’s Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed that the girls had been safely released in Nairobi and were already en route to Nigeria.

She explained that the Commission had remained in close contact with the relevant Nigerian Embassy, which formally engaged the authorities involved to ensure accountability over the incident and prevent a similar occurrence in the future.

While expressing relief over their release, Dabiri-Erewa also sympathised with the affected young women and expressed the hope that they would be willing to share details of their experiences upon arrival in Nigeria. According to her, their accounts would help guide any necessary follow-up actions and support that may be required.

The NiDCOM boss reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the welfare, safety and protection of Nigerians living or travelling abroad, stressing that the wellbeing of citizens in the diaspora remains a key priority of the Federal Government.

She added that the Commission would continue working with Nigerian diplomatic missions and relevant authorities to safeguard the rights of Nigerians overseas, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at supporting citizens both at home and across the diaspora.