Nigeria High Commission Secures Release of Thousands of Inmates in India, Negotiates New Amnesty

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through its High Commission in India, has secured amnesty and repatriation for thousands of Nigerians previously held in Indian prisons for immigration offences.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) released an official update confirming that diplomatic officials are actively managing the cases of hundreds of citizens currently detained across various Indian provinces.

Massive Prison Visits and Past Amnesty Success

As of September 1, 2026, officials from the Nigeria High Commission visited 198 Nigerian inmates across five prisons in Maharashtra, Mumbai. Diplomatic efforts between September 2025 and May 2026 successfully yielded amnesty for thousands of Nigerians, leading to their release and safe return home.

However, NiDCOM noted that some eligible detainees failed to take advantage of the previous amnesty window before it closed.

New Six-Month Amnesty Under Negotiation

To assist those still held in detention camps without trial, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu, is actively engaging with her Indian counterpart. The negotiations involve a new six-month amnesty period specifically targeting Nigerians held for minor immigration irregularities.

NiDCOM Chairman/CEO Abike Dabiri-Erewa issued a strong advisory to the diaspora community regarding this development: “Nigerians in India who are there irregularly should take advantage of the next set of amnesty being negotiated when effected. Others who are still staying there illegally should utilise the opportunity or risk being arrested.”

Scope of the Amnesty and Pending Cases

The Commission emphasized that the proposed amnesty strictly excludes individuals awaiting trial for severe criminal offenses, such as drug trafficking.

Addressing the specific, highly publicized case of a Nigerian citizen identified as Mr. Ekene, NiDCOM confirmed that the High Commission is actively investigating his situation to assess if he qualifies for immediate repatriation, provided his family can secure the necessary travel funds.

The statement says the High Commission will continue to pressure the Indian government to accelerate legal proceedings for all Nigerians currently awaiting trial with a strong appeal to all citizens abroad to respect and obey the laws of their host countries to avoid legal complications.