FG Secures Release of Six Nigerians Detained in Côte d’Ivoire, Return Home Safely

FG Secures Release of Six Nigerians Detained in Côte d’Ivoire, Return Home Safely
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‎By Nelson Osundu Iwela
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‎E-ISSN: 2354-4481
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‎The Federal Government of Nigeria has successfully secured the release and return of six Nigerian citizens who had been detained at the MACA Prison in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, since August 2025.
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‎The returnees were received on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, alongside the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, and other senior government officials.
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‎The six Nigerians—Aliyu Malami, Nasiru Umar, Shamsu Abubakar, Sa’adu Bello, Lyman Mohammed, and Usama Murtala—had travelled by road from Sokoto State to Abidjan on a trading trip. According to official information, they were subsequently arrested and detained in Côte d’Ivoire, where they remained in custody for several months before the intervention of the Nigerian government led to their release and repatriation.
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‎Speaking during the reception, government officials reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of its citizens abroad through sustained diplomatic engagement and consular assistance.
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‎The successful return of the six citizens underscores ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies to provide support to Nigerians facing challenges outside the country while strengthening bilateral cooperation with partner nations.

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