Nigerian govt denies reports it plans extradition of 1000 Turkish nationals

The Federal Government Monday denied reports that Nigeria had agreed to extradite 1000 Turkish nationals on the request of the Turkish Government over terrorism.

The Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, said this in a statement by his media aide, Sarah Sanda in Abuja.

The reports had quoted Onyeama as saying that “there was a request for the extradition of some Turks in Nigeria who have been given asylum and recognised by the UN as political refugees and the Turkish government requested that we extradite some of them.

“There was also a request that the schools and hospitals established by Gülen Movement should be closed in Nigeria. They now labelled them Fethtulah (FETO) as a terrorist organisation”.

Onyeama was also quoted as saying that President Buhari assured President Erdogan that Nigeria would not allow its territory to be used as a breeding ground for any group with the aim of destabilising Turkey.

“The point was made and Mr President with regard to the Gülen movement that under no circumstances would Nigeria allow itself to be a base for the destabilisation of Turkey”.

Read also: UN report raises doubt on Nigerian govt claims, says Boko Haram still controls parts of Borno

But the minister stated Monday that Nigeria did not enter into any agreement with any nation to extradite its nationals, assuring all foreigners living in Nigeria legally that their protection was guaranteed.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Ministry wishes to state in clear terms that, no such agreement was entered into.

“Every individual, of whatever nationality, legally residing in Nigeria is guaranteed full protection under Nigerian and international laws”, he said.

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