A growing number of Nigerians living in India have raised alarm over persistent police brutality, extortion, and inhumane treatment, calling on the Nigerian government to urgently intervene and facilitate their return home.

 

Speaking under the condition of anonymity, several affected individuals told Vanguard they are trapped in a cycle of harassment, facing routine stop-and-search operations by Indian police, arbitrary arrests, and financial exploitation — often without committing any crime.

 

“What we’re going through here is terrible,” one Nigerian said. “If the police stop you, the first thing they do is seize your phone and go through it. Then they demand money before letting you go. It’s harassment, plain and simple.”

 

He added that many Nigerians have overstayed their visas not by choice, but due to inability to afford the steep fines attached to visa violations. According to him, the overstay penalties — ranging from ₹5,000 to over ₹50,000 — are prohibitive and often push people further into financial desperation.

“Last year, I paid nearly one lakh rupees (approx. ₦1.8 million) just to be released. I’ve been arrested multiple times and paid heavily. I even sold my land in Nigeria to buy my freedom,” he said.

When asked if he would return to Nigeria if given the opportunity, he responded:

“Yes, I want to go back. But I don’t have the money. If the Nigerian government can help with flight tickets and clear the overstay penalties, I’d leave immediately.”

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it is monitoring the situation, particularly after the recent death of a Nigerian national, Peter (surname withheld), under undisclosed circumstances in India.

 

Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi is already engaging with the Nigerian community and Indian authorities to uncover the facts surrounding the incident and broader complaints.

 

In a similar vein, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) stated it has not received any new formal reports, but assured that it is investigating past complaints and coordinating efforts with the Nigerian embassy.

 

“We won’t tolerate any unjust treatment of Nigerians,” said Abdulrahman Balogun, NIDCOM’s Director of Media and Public Relations.

“But we also urge Nigerians abroad to act within the law and respect the immigration policies of host countries.”

 

Attempts to obtain comments from the Indian High Commission in Nigeria were unsuccessful as of press time.

 

Data published by The Hindu newspaper revealed that Nigerians top the list of deported foreigners from India between April 2023 and March 2024. Of the 2,331 foreign nationals deported during that period, 1,470 were Nigerians — a figure that has drawn international attention.

 

Citizens from Bangladesh and Uganda followed in the statistics, but the disproportionate number of Nigerians underscores the growing friction between local authorities and the Nigerian community in India.

Nigerians whose visas have expired are required to apply for an Exit Permit through India’s Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). This allows for legal departure but is subject to payment of overstay fines.

 

The Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi may offer emergency travel documents, help appeal for waivers or reduction of fines, and in some cases, support repatriation efforts. However, without the required documents or funds, individuals risk detention or transfer to overcrowded deportation camps, where basic rights and conditions are often compromised.

What began as isolated cases of immigration violation has evolved into a humanitarian crisis, with many stranded Nigerians unable to leave, yet exposed to routine intimidation, arrests, and abuse.

 

Human rights activists are now calling on the Nigerian government to act decisively, not only to protect its citizens abroad, but to initiate immediate repatriation support, especially for the most vulnerable.

“We are suffering. We are not safe. We are not criminals — most of us came here for education or business. But now we are stuck. We are begging our government to help us come home.”

 

As diplomatic conversations continue behind closed doors, the voices of these stranded Nigerians grow louder, painting a picture of neglect, desperation, and the urgent need for national responsibility.