The Federal Government says it is actively engaging Indian authorities to secure the release of Nigerians detained in prisons and detention camps across India, with a fresh six-month amnesty currently being negotiated.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by NIDCOM Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun.
According to NiDCOM, officials, the Nigeria High Commission in India had, as of September 1, visited 198 Nigerian inmates across five prisons in Maharashtra, Mumbai. The Commission added that there are still more Nigerians in correctional facilities in other Indian provinces.
The statement noted that between September 2025 and May 2026, the High Commission secured amnesty for “thousands of Nigerians languishing in India prisons,” mainly for immigration offences and other irregularities. Those granted amnesty have since been released and repatriated.
The Commission also disclosed that Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu is engaging her Indian counterpart for another six-month amnesty window for Nigerians in detention camps who do not have pending trials but are held for one offence or another.
On the specific case of one Ekene reportedly detained in India, NiDCOM said the High Commission is already looking into the matter. “If he is one of those that can leave as soon as possible, he will, if his family can raise funds for him. But there are processes to be followed,” the statement said.
NiDCOM added that the High Commission is also putting pressure on the Indian government to speed up the trial of Nigerians awaiting judgement for various offences.
The Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, advised Nigerians residing irregularly in India to take advantage of the next amnesty when it is announced, warning that those who fail to do so risk arrest.
“However, the amnesty does not include those awaiting trial for criminal offences like drugs etc,” she cautioned.
The Commission further urged Nigerians abroad to obey the laws of their host countries and avoid acts that could lead to detention.
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Editor: Terverr Tyav
