A coalition of civil society organisations has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to intervene and secure the release of Michael Vitalis Nnorom, a Nigerian national allegedly detained by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) after participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla — a humanitarian mission to deliver aid to Gaza.
In a statement on Monday, the coalition described Nnorom’s detention as “a violation of international law and an attack on humanitarian efforts,” urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “engineer his release and ensure his safe return to his family.”
According to the coalition, Nnorom, a mechanic with the Omar Al Mokhtar vessel, joined the flotilla as part of a global campaign aimed at breaking the blockade on Gaza and providing relief to civilians who have endured two years of bombardment, siege, and starvation.
“Michael is not only carrying the flag of Nigeria in this global flotilla of conscience but is giving the country a window to register itself on the right side of history,” the statement read.
The group condemned the Israeli interception of the flotilla in international waters, describing it as a “crime under international law,” and called on other nations to stand in solidarity with detained activists.
“The Global Sumud Flotilla became a necessity following the failure of governments to stop the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. We therefore call on Nigeria to act now, as other countries have done to protect their nationals,” it added.
