Seychelles Imposes Ban On Nigerians Due To Concerns Over Drug Trafficking And Internet Fraud, Says Vice President Ahmed Afif

Vice President Ahmed Afif of Seychelles has officially announced the implementation of comprehensive restrictions on Nigerians seeking to travel to his country in the West Indian Ocean. The Seychelles immigration authorities have been instructed to grant access to Nigerians with diplomatic passports and residential permits, while tourists and new immigrants from Nigeria have been indefinitely banned, according to Seychelles News Agency.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Vice President Afif explained that the decision was prompted by the country’s observation of Nigerians’ involvement in various criminal activities, particularly drug trafficking and online fraud syndicates. He cited specific instances where Nigerians were arrested for carrying drugs upon entering Seychelles, and another case where 62 Nigerians used fraudulent credit cards during their supposed holiday, resulting in financial losses for establishments in the country.

These developments have fueled controversies and discussions on social media, with some Nigerians claiming unjust visa denials by Seychelles. Nigeria has faced visa bans from other countries recently, including the United Arab Emirates, which included Nigeria in a list of 17 African nations deemed unwelcome.

Nigeria’s reputation in drug trafficking has spanned several decades, and it gained further global attention after the election of President Bola Tinubu. Tinubu, who faced allegations of involvement in drug and money laundering activities in the United States in the 1990s, was ordered by a federal judge to forfeit around $460,000 directly linked to drug dealing. Although he has not denied the allegations, he avoided answering related questions until his successful election as Nigeria’s president in February 2023.

It remains unclear whether Seychelles authorities considered Tinubu’s background in the drug business when implementing the broad restrictions on Nigerians. Vice President Afif clarified that Seychelles does not have any issues with Nigeria or its people, but the country is concerned about the recent surge in criminal activities linked to Nigerians. He emphasized that Seychelles does not tolerate such criminal behavior within its borders and highlighted the presence of other online scams originating from Nigeria.

The Nigerian foreign ministry spokesperson has not yet responded to requests for comments on the matter. However, Seychelles media reported that a meeting between Seychelles Foreign Minister Sylvestre Radegonde and the Nigerian ambassador has been scheduled to address the situation.

Stay connected via Google News

Follow us for the latest travel updates and guides.