Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal Government has secured the release of six Nigerian nationals who had been detained in the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire since October 2025 over alleged economic crimes, following months of sustained diplomatic and consular interventions by the Nigerian Embassy in Abidjan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the development in a statement issued on Friday, June 26, 2026, by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
According to the ministry, four of the detainees were released on Monday, June 22, 2026, while the remaining two regained their freedom on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. The release followed what the ministry described as persistent diplomatic interventions by the Nigerian Embassy in Abidjan, which maintained regular consular access to the detainees and engaged relevant Ivorian authorities throughout the period of their detention.
The ministry commended Nigeria's Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, Ambassador Nwabiola C. Ezenwa, and officials of the embassy for their professionalism, dedication, and tireless diplomatic efforts in securing the release of the Nigerians. According to the statement, the embassy ensured the welfare of the detainees while engaging consistently with Côte d'Ivoire's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, and other relevant institutions to resolve the matter.
"The Ministry is pleased to announce the successful release of six Nigerian nationals who were detained by the authorities of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire since October 2025 for alleged economic crimes," the statement read. "The Embassy maintained regular consular access to the detained Nigerians, ensured their welfare throughout their detention, and engaged consistently with the Ivorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, and other relevant institutions to secure their release".
The ministry also expressed profound appreciation to the Government of Côte d'Ivoire for its constructive cooperation, noting that the cordial relations between both countries, founded on mutual respect, friendship, and regional solidarity, greatly facilitated the positive outcome. "The cordial relations between Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire, founded on mutual respect, friendship and regional solidarity, greatly facilitated the positive outcome," the statement added.
Reaffirming the Federal Government's commitment to the welfare of Nigerians abroad, the ministry said the protection of citizens' rights, dignity, and welfare remains a key priority of Nigeria's foreign policy. "The Federal Government of Nigeria remains firmly committed to the protection of the rights, welfare and dignity of Nigerian citizens abroad. Through its diplomatic missions worldwide, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to provide consular assistance and engage host governments through established diplomatic channels to safeguard the interests of Nigerians wherever they may reside," the statement said.
The ministry further reassured Nigerians living overseas that their welfare remains a cardinal priority of Nigeria's foreign policy. It also urged Nigerians travelling or residing abroad to obey the laws of their host countries and maintain regular contact with the nearest Nigerian diplomatic or consular mission whenever necessary.
The successful release of the six Nigerians comes after months of diplomatic efforts, highlighting the importance of sustained consular engagement in protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad. The case also underscores the broader challenges faced by Nigerian nationals in foreign countries, where they may be detained on various allegations without access to adequate legal representation or consular support. The Nigerian Embassy in Abidjan was praised for maintaining regular consular access to the detainees and monitoring their welfare throughout their detention.
While the specific details of the alleged economic crimes have not been publicly disclosed, the release of the six Nigerians demonstrates the effectiveness of diplomatic channels in resolving consular disputes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated its commitment to providing consular assistance and engaging host governments through established diplomatic channels to safeguard the interests of Nigerians wherever they reside.
The development also comes amid broader efforts by Nigeria to strengthen bilateral relations with Côte d'Ivoire and other West African nations. In May 2026, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in trade, security, industrial growth, and diplomatic engagement. Discussions also explored possible frameworks for prisoner transfer arrangements involving sentenced nationals, in line with applicable legal provisions and bilateral agreements. The release of the six Nigerians is a testament to the strength of Nigeria-Côte d'Ivoire relations and the shared commitment to resolving consular matters through dialogue and mutual respect.
For the families of the six Nigerians, the release brings an end to months of anxiety and uncertainty. Their freedom, secured through persistent diplomatic efforts, serves as a reminder of the critical role that Nigeria's diplomatic missions play in protecting the rights and welfare of citizens abroad. As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to reassure Nigerians overseas that their welfare remains a cardinal priority, the successful resolution of this case stands as a beacon of hope for other Nigerians facing similar challenges in foreign lands.
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