The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has disclosed that the Nigerian High Commission in India is intensifying efforts to secure the release of Nigerians detained in prisons and detention camps across the country.
The development was contained in a statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, NiDCOM, Abuja, on Sunday.
NiDCOM disclosed that the Nigerian High Commission had visited 198 Nigerian inmates in five prisons in Maharashtra, Mumbai, as of September 1, 2026, as part of its ongoing consular interventions.
The Commission, however, clarified that the figure did not represent the total number of Nigerians in detention across India, as other citizens are being held in prisons in different provinces.
According to NiDCOM, the Nigerian mission previously secured an amnesty for thousands of Nigerians detained in India between September 2025 and May 2026.
The amnesty largely covered Nigerians detained for immigration offences and other irregularities, resulting in their release and repatriation to Nigeria.
It noted, however, that some Nigerians failed to take advantage of the opportunity before the amnesty expired.
NiDCOM said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had been engaging the Indian authorities to secure another six-month amnesty for Nigerians detained in camps who do not have ongoing trials.
The Commission also said the High Commission was reviewing the case of a Nigerian identified as Mr Ekene, whose detention has attracted public attention, to determine whether he qualifies for early departure.
It explained that any possible release would be subject to the completion of relevant procedures and the availability of funds from his family to facilitate his return to Nigeria.
“The Nigerian High Commission is on his case and that of others in similar circumstances,” the statement said.
The mission, NiDCOM added, had also continued to engage Indian authorities on the need to expedite the cases of Nigerians awaiting trial for various offences.
Meanwhile, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, urged Nigerians living in India without valid immigration status to take advantage of any new amnesty programme once approved.
She warned that Nigerians who continue to reside illegally in the country risk arrest and detention.
“Nigerians in India, who are in India irregularly, should take advantage of the next set of amnesty being negotiated when effected, while others who are still staying there illegally should utilise the opportunity or risk being arrested,” she said.
NiDCOM stressed that any new amnesty would not cover Nigerians standing trial for criminal offences, including drug-related cases.
The Commission therefore urged Nigerians living abroad to obey the laws of their host countries, avoid criminal activities and comply fully with immigration regulations.
