No fewer than 103 Nigerians who were deported from Turkey have arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Friday, June 28, 2024.
The deportees, who landed on a Southwind Airlines flight with registration number TC-GRB at approximately 6:45 pm, expressed deep frustration and anger over their treatment in the European country.
The deportees disembarked at the pilgrims’ wing of the airport, where they were received by a coordinated team from multiple government agencies.
Representatives from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the military were on hand to manage the situation and provide necessary support to the returnees.
The deportees shared harrowing accounts of their ordeal, alleging severe mistreatment by Turkish authorities.
They claimed they were detained for over 11 months under harsh conditions before being forcibly deported.
Their grievances centred on the prolonged detention and the perceived unfair treatment they endured without clear explanations or charges.
One of the deportees, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “We were treated like criminals without any formal charges.
The conditions were deplorable, and we were denied basic human rights. This experience has been a nightmare.”
Another deportee added, “We lost everything—our jobs, our homes, and our valuables.
“The Nigerian government must take this matter seriously and engage with Turkish authorities to reclaim our properties and seek justice for the inhumane treatment we suffered.”
The reasons behind the deportations remain unclear, as Turkish authorities have not provided specific details on any alleged offenses that might have warranted such actions.
This lack of transparency has fueled further anger and confusion among the deportees and their families.
NEMA’s Director-General, Mustapha Ahmed, assured the deportees that the agency would provide immediate assistance and support to help them reintegrate into society.
“We understand your pain and frustration. Our priority now is to ensure your well-being and facilitate your smooth transition back into the community,” he said
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