The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has deported 400 Nigerians, comprising 90 females and 310 males, as reported by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
The deportees were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja by officials from the office of the National Security Adviser, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other stakeholders.
This mass deportation follows a series of similar incidents involving Nigerian nationals abroad.
Recently, 103 Nigerians were deported from Turkiye, and 264 Nigerian passengers had their visas canceled upon arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
In response to these events, the Federal Government of Nigeria has urged its citizens to remain calm. A government spokesperson stated, "We are working diligently with international partners to address these issues and ensure the safety and dignity of our citizens abroad."
The deportation comes amidst broader diplomatic challenges, including the UAE's request for consular services for arrested Telegram boss Pavel Durov and the recent lifting of the UAE's visa ban on Nigerian passport holders. Information Minister Idris confirmed, "The UAE has lifted the visa ban on Nigerian passport holders and we are optimistic about improving bilateral relations."
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