Nigerians Returned Home From Egypt

Posted by admin Oil Politics Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

No fewer than 500 Nigerians have returned from Egypt early on Thursday as political violence continued for the tenth day running.

The returnees, made up of students, government officials, businessmen and others were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by the Foreign Affairs Minister for State, Hajia Salamatu Suleiman.

Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan had directed the immediate evacuation of Nigerians from Egypt following the continued political unrest.

Hajia Salamatu expressed government’s commitment to the protection of its citizens wherever they are, across the globe.

A spokesman for the returnees, Colonel Abdulmumuni Aminu commended the Nigerian government for its quick response to the plight of the people.

The returnees recalled their experiences, describing the situation in Egypt in these past few days as traumatic for them, following the closure of banks and non availability of other basic amenities. In the meantime, more than fifty stranded Ghanaian nationals who smuggled themselves into the Nigerian flight claiming to be Nigerians with fake Nigerian passports have been arrested by the State Security Services upon arrival in Abuja.

Nigerian passengers apparently disturbed by the audacity of the impostors alerted SSS about the non-Nigerian passengers. A source at the SSS indicated that the Ghanaians will be made to pay full fare for their flight and then deported to Ghana. Our correspondent was unable to reach the Ghanaian Embassy in Abuja for comments.

-Tribunewp_posts