The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has facilitated the return of three Nigerians who were stranded in South Africa, following a social media post by one of the travelers that drew the attention of South African authorities.
The development was disclosed in a post on NIDCOM’s official X account on Sunday.
The incident comes after claims by Just_Yemi (@YemiFirstson), who alleged that he and three other Nigerians were unlawfully detained at Johannesburg airport despite having valid visas and complete documentation.
NIDCOM confirmed that the three Nigerians have now been cleared and are expected to arrive in Lagos on Monday. While welcoming their safe return, the commission expressed concern over the circumstances that led to their detention.
The commission emphasized the importance of adhering to international travel protocols and being mindful of digital conduct.
NIDCOM also reiterated a broader advisory to Nigerians traveling abroad, warning against reliance on unregulated visa agents.
Incomplete knowledge of submitted visa applications can prevent travellers from adequately defending their information during immigration interviews, leading to the denial of entry.
The agency confirmed it will continue to engage South African authorities to prevent similar incidents and commended the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa for its prompt intervention.
The situation emerged after a post by Just_Yemi (@YemiFirstson) in the early hours of Sunday, alleging that he and three other Nigerians were unlawfully detained at Johannesburg airport.
He claimed that despite having valid visas and complete documentation, they were singled out, had restricted access to their phones, and were denied the option to book another flight home.
... called for public awareness and accountability from South African authorities.
The Nigerian government, through agencies such as NIDCOM, routinely facilitates the return of citizens stranded abroad, regardless of the circumstances.
This support extends to those facing hardships or specific incidents like the recent South Africa case linked to social media activity.
These cases highlight the importance of preparedness, vigilance, and responsible digital conduct when traveling internationally, both for individual safety and national reputation.