Over one hundred and three Nigerians arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Friday, June 28, following their deportation from Turkey.
They landed at the pilgrims wing of the airport at approximately 6:45 pm aboard Southwind Airlines flight TC-GRB. Upon arrival, multiple 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 were present to receive them.
The reasons for their deportation remain unclear. The deportees expressed frustration, alleging mistreatment during their detention in Turkey, where they claimed to have been held for over 11 months before their expulsion.
They urged the Nigerian government to advocate on their behalf and facilitate the return of their confiscated belongings.