42 legal Nigerian residents were arrested in Mozambique. Only the Nigerians were taken.

Spare-parts market in Mozambique. Multiple nationalities trading, as they do every day. Then security forces arrived. They arrested only the Nigerians. Not the traders from other countries present at the same market. Just the 42 Nigerians.

No charges. No explanations. Some were beaten. Personal belongings confiscated. Several are now ill and need medical attention. The Mozambican Attorney-General was reportedly not informed of any charges because there are no charges to inform him of.

All 42 are confirmed legal residents.

NiDCOM chief Abike Dabiri-Erewa condemned the arrests yesterday, calling it a xenophobic attack and demanding immediate release or formal charges. The Nigerian government's position is correct. But it carries a specific weight this week: the same government that can't stop 300 of its people from being enslaved in Borno is now asking Mozambique to respect Nigerian lives abroad.

Being Nigerian is the risk. At home and away.