The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has facilitated the release and return of three Nigerians who were stranded at an airport in South Africa following an immigration incident.
The development was confirmed in a statement shared on the commission’s official X account on Sunday.
According to NIDCOM, the affected individuals have now been cleared by South African authorities and are expected to arrive in Lagos on Monday.
The commission, led by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the detention but welcomed the safe resolution of the matter.
The incident gained attention after a social media user, Just_Yemi (@YemiFirstson), alleged that he and others were detained at Johannesburg airport despite holding valid visas and complete travel documents.
However, NIDCOM revealed that one of the travellers had previously made offensive remarks about the South African government online, which reportedly placed him on an immigration watchlist.
When questioned by authorities, the individual was unable to adequately explain the statements, escalating the situation.
The commission used the incident to caution Nigerians traveling abroad to be mindful of their conduct, both offline and online.
Key advisories include:
- Avoid using unverified visa agents
- Ensure full knowledge of submitted visa details
- Be prepared to explain travel documents during immigration checks
- Maintain responsible social media behaviour
NIDCOM stressed that digital footprints, including past online comments, can influence immigration decisions and lead to additional scrutiny.
The commission confirmed it will continue to engage South African authorities to prevent similar incidents, while also commending the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa for its swift intervention.
The Nigerian government, through agencies like NIDCOM, regularly supports citizens facing difficulties abroad, including facilitating returns during emergencies.
Recent efforts include coordinated evacuations and voluntary return programmes supported by international organisations, highlighting ongoing efforts to protect Nigerians overseas.
