The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia clarified media reports about the deportation of 264 Nigerians upon entry into the Kingdom, stating that it was not targeting Nigerians.

In a statement released yesterday, the Saudi Embassy explained that the passengers who were denied entry and subsequently deported to their initial destinations did not fulfill the entry conditions and requirements in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the Kingdom, as they submitted incorrect information to obtain a category of visa that does not apply to them, which was discovered upon their arrival.

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier declared it was “investigating the matter” to see if any consular or aviation rules had been flouted.