Nigerians deported from Turkey arrive Abuja, lament their woes.
No fewer than 103 Nigerians deported from Turkey arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, the federal capital territory, on Friday.
These individuals were part of a group deported from the Republic of Turkey. They landed at the pilgrims’ wing of the airport at approximately 6:45 pm on a Southwind Airlines flight, which bore the registration number TC-GRB.
Upon their arrival, the deportees were met by various government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), and military personnel.
Channels TV reported that it was unclear whether the deportees had committed any offenses in Turkey that would justify their deportation.
The deportees expressed their frustration, describing their experiences and alleging mistreatment in Turkey. According to their accounts, they were detained by Turkish authorities for over 11 months before being deported.
The deportees called on the Nigerian government to advocate on their behalf and recover their valuables.
The arrival of the deportees at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport highlights the ongoing challenges faced by many Nigerians abroad, especially in situations involving deportation and alleged mistreatment.
The presence of multiple government agencies to receive the deportees stresses the seriousness with which the Nigerian authorities are addressing such incidents. However, the lack of clarity regarding the reasons for their deportation raises important questions about the treatment of Nigerian citizens in foreign countries and the measures taken to protect their rights.
The deportees’ demand for the Nigerian government to take action reflects a broader call for increased protection and support for Nigerians abroad. Their accounts of being detained for an extended period and the subsequent deportation indicate significant hardships and a need for thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding their detention and treatment.
This incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of diplomatic relations and the need for effective communication between Nigeria and other countries to ensure the fair treatment of Nigerian citizens. The Nigerian government’s response to the deportees’ plight will be crucial in addressing their grievances and preventing similar occurrences in the future.
