June 26 (THEWILL) — The Federal Government has secured the release of six Nigerian citizens who had been detained in Côte d’Ivoire since October 2025 over allegations of economic crimes, marking the end of an eight-month diplomatic effort led by the Nigerian Embassy in Abidjan.
The development was announced on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
According to the ministry, four of the detainees were released on June 22, while the remaining two regained their freedom on June 23 following sustained diplomatic engagements between Nigerian and Ivorian authorities.
The ministry said the successful outcome was the result of persistent interventions by the Nigerian Embassy in Abidjan, which maintained regular contact with the detained citizens and worked closely with relevant institutions in Côte d’Ivoire throughout the period of their incarceration.
It disclosed that the embassy ensured continuous consular access to the Nigerians, monitored their welfare, and intensified engagements with the Ivorian Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice to facilitate their release.
“The Embassy ensured continuous consular access to the detained Nigerians, monitored their welfare, and engaged relevant authorities, including the Ivorian Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice, to secure their freedom”, it said.
The ministry commended Nigeria’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, Ambassador Nwabiola Ezenwa, and officials of the Nigerian mission in Abidjan for their dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to protecting the interests of Nigerian citizens abroad.
It also expressed gratitude to the Government of Côte d’Ivoire for its cooperation and constructive engagement, noting that the cordial diplomatic relations between both countries were instrumental in resolving the matter peacefully.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora, the ministry stressed that protecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of citizens abroad remains a key pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
It assured that Nigerian diplomatic missions across the world would continue to provide consular assistance and engage host governments through established diplomatic channels to safeguard the interests of Nigerians living or travelling overseas.
The ministry further advised Nigerians residing or travelling abroad to obey the laws of their host countries and maintain regular contact with the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate whenever they require consular support or assistance.
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