The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has appealed to authorities in Cape Verde for the immediate release of six Nigerian tourists detained at an immigration facility after arriving for vacation from Senegal

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has issued an urgent appeal to authorities in Cape Verde for the immediate release of six Nigerian tourists who are currently being detained at an immigration deportation facility on the island.

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In a statement released on Tuesday, the commission conveyed its deep concern regarding the treatment of the Nigerian tourists, who had traveled to Cape Verde from Senegal for a vacation.

Upon their arrival in Cape Verde, the six tourists – identified as David James Udoh, Lily Dada, Oghenero Adaware, Sherifat Abimbola Ogundairo, and Jesutomi Aina – were reportedly singled out by immigration officials.

They were accused of lacking sufficient funds, had their mobile phones confiscated, and were subsequently placed in detention at an airport facility.

NiDCOM highlighted the significant distress experienced by the detainees, noting that one of them reportedly has a pre-existing medical condition and has been denied access to necessary medication.

“We appeal to the immigration authorities in Cape Verde to please treat the tourists with respect and dignity and put them on the next immediate return flight to Dakar for onward connection back to Nigeria,” NiDCOM statement.

The commission’s statement implored the immigration authorities in Cape Verde to treat the Nigerian tourists with due respect and dignity.

NiDCOM specifically requested that the tourists be placed on the next available return flight to Dakar, Senegal, to facilitate their onward journey back to Nigeria.

The families of the detained tourists, who are aged between 25 and 31, have expressed profound concern for the safety and overall wellbeing of their loved ones.

The incident has been officially reported to the Consular and Migration Directorate at Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for further and immediate intervention.

The travel arrangement for the six Nigerian tourists was organized by a Nigerian travel company known as Irin Travels, which also operates online under the handles @irintravels and @theFARAWAY.