FG evacuates Nigerians maltreated by Togolese airport security

The Federal Government on Saturday evacuated some Nigerians who were allegedly maltreated by Togolese security officials at the Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport.

A trending video had shown one of the victims on all fours being manhandled by about six security officials at the airport.

He was subsequently handcuffed and taken away by the irate Togolese officials.

Reports stated that the Nigerians who were travelling on Ethiopian Airlines from the United States of America to Lagos got to Lome and were told that their connecting flight was full and that they could not continue the trip.

When some of them tried to protest, they were manhandled and handcuffed by the Togolese security personnel and airline staff and their telephones were also allegedly confiscated.

On hearing about the incident, the Federal Government issued a directive to the Nigerian Ambassador to Togo, Mr Debo Adesina, to secure a charter aircraft for their evacuation to Lagos.

The evacuation was reportedly overseen by the high commissioner.

It was gathered that the flight has since landed at the Murtala Muhammed Airport and the passengers had been united with their family members and loved ones.

The Spokesman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the incident was being investigated by the Nigerian High Commission in Togo.

(The PUNCH)