The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the release and departure of six Nigerian women who were previously detained in Cape Verde.
In a statement issued by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Ministry confirmed that the women have been freed and have since left the country.
The statement notes that the Ministry, through Nigeria’s mission in Guinea-Bissau, engaged with Cape Verdean authorities to facilitate their release.
According to the ministry, the women had traveled to Cape Verde for a holiday but were detained on allegations of trafficking, which were later found to be unsubstantiated.
Earlier on Thursday, April 17, 2025, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) appealed to the Cape Verde authorities to return six Nigerian tourists who traveled from Senegal to Cape Verde Island on vacation.
The commission appealed to the immigration authorities in Cape Verde to “treat the tourists with respect and dignity” and put them on the next immediate return flight to Dakar for onward connection back to Nigeria.
In recent years, the issue of repatriation of Nigerians from various African countries has moved from the fringes of diplomatic discussions to the forefront of national and continental concern.
RN
