The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the release and departure of six Nigerian women who were previously detained in Cape Verde.

In an official statement issued by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Ministry announced that the women have regained their freedom and have since departed the country.

The Ministry further revealed that Nigeria’s mission in Guinea-Bissau actively engaged Cape Verdean authorities to facilitate their release.

According to the Ministry, the six Nigerian women had traveled to Cape Verde for a holiday but were arrested on allegations of human trafficking, claims that were later found to be unsubstantiated.

Earlier on Thursday, April 17, 2025, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) had made a public appeal to Cape Verdean authorities, urging them to release the women and ensure their safe return.

The Commission emphasized that the Nigerian tourists, who had traveled from Senegal to Cape Verde Island for vacation, should be treated with “respect and dignity” and put on the next immediate return flight to Dakar, from where they would reconnect to Nigeria.