The Federal Government has received 103 Nigerian deportees from Turkey, with allegations of migration-related issues such as expired visas and irregular migration. However, some of the deportees have denied any wrongdoing, claiming they were unfairly targeted.
According to Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), the commission received 103 male deportees, with seven others expected to arrive later. Ahmed stated that the commission would investigate the allegations and follow up with the Turkish authority on the seizure of passports.
Some of the deportees, including Mr. Arinze Stone and Mr. Moses Emeh, claimed they were living and doing business in Turkey legally, with valid resident permits. Stone alleged that the Turkish authority arrested and detained him for six months, despite having paid taxes and insurance. Emeh, who had a registered company in Turkey, claimed his resident permit was forcibly cancelled, and he was arrested and detained for 11 months.
“I don’t know where to start from. But I believe this is a diplomatic issue, and I trust our foreign affairs minister to follow it up,” Emeh said. “I also think that they should have a sensitization program for Nigerians still living over there in Turkey because the Turkish government is not being sincere and transparent with us.”
The deportees were given dignity kits, starter packs, and stipends to enable them to travel to their respective places. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) assured the returnees of government support through collaborative efforts with relevant agencies.