By Joy Omagha Idam, Abuja
The Federal Government has received five Nigerian citizens rescued from prolonged detention in Côte d’Ivoire, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerians wherever they may be.
The returnees, who arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, were welcomed by the Minister of State for 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.
The five young men were among six traders from Sokoto State who travelled by road to Abidjan in search of business opportunities but were arrested in August 2025 and held for several months without formal charges or trial.
Sadly, one of the detainees, Usama Murtala, did not survive the ordeal. Following his release, he reportedly developed severe health complications believed to have resulted from the harsh conditions of incarceration. He died on June 24, 2026, and was laid to rest in Côte d’Ivoire in accordance with Islamic rites after consultations with his family.
Speaking during the reception, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the incident as deeply troubling, noting that Nigerian authorities were unaware of the detention for several months, a situation that delayed diplomatic intervention.
She explained that once the matter was brought to the attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, immediate steps were taken through the Nigerian Embassy in Abidjan, leading to sustained diplomatic engagements that eventually secured the release of the detainees.
The minister expressed concern over the vulnerability of many young Nigerians who embark on irregular journeys abroad without adequate knowledge of the legal, cultural and linguistic realities of their destination countries. She noted that language barriers prevented the young men from effectively communicating with local authorities or accessing legal representation throughout their detention.
According to her, the unfortunate death of Usama Murtala underscores the dangers faced by many Nigerians who seek greener pastures outside the country through unsafe migration routes.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that the Federal Government would pursue appropriate diplomatic channels regarding the circumstances surrounding the detention and death of the deceased, including seeking compensation from the Ivorian authorities.
She further stated that the intervention aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Citizen Diplomacy policy under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which places the protection and welfare of Nigerians abroad among the government’s foreign policy priorities.
The minister appealed to the Sokoto State Government to support the reintegration of the returnees through rehabilitation, vocational training and skills acquisition programmes, stressing that they deserve an opportunity to rebuild their lives after enduring months of trauma and hardship.
She revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally communicated with the Sokoto State Government to facilitate programmes that will empower the young men economically and socially.
Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Aliyu Malami expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for securing their freedom. He recounted that what began as a business trip turned into a prolonged period of uncertainty due to communication challenges with the authorities in the French-speaking country.
He pledged to rebuild his life through legitimate business while appreciating the efforts of the Nigerian government and all agencies involved in their rescue.
The returnees also received relief packages from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other government agencies before departing Abuja to reunite with their families in Sokoto State.