Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission 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.
Okay News reports that the incident came after claims by a user on X 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.
In a statement, the commission explained that one of the individuals had previously posted insulting remarks about the South African government online, which placed him on their watchlist. When confronted at the port of entry, he was unable to defend or substantiate those statements, further aggravating the situation.
NIDCOM reiterated a broader advisory to Nigerians traveling abroad, warning against reliance on unregulated visa agents. The commission emphasized that incomplete knowledge of submitted visa applications can prevent travellers from adequately defending their information during immigration interviews.
Apply for visas directly or only through licensed and verifiable agents, and review all information before submission. Be mindful of digital footprints, as derogatory social media posts can trigger visa denial or secondary screening.
The commission 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. This citizen repatriation highlights the importance of responsible digital conduct when traveling internationally.
