British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, has revealed that the United Kingdom government has so far given no fewer than 430,000 visas to Nigerians seeking to study and relocate to the European nation in 2024.
Montgomery disclosed this during a meeting with the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja on Wednesday.
He also assured the Federal Government that there would be adequate security measures in place for Nigerians in the UK.
He noted that the UK remains a safe haven despite the ongoing unrest, highlighting the country’s diverse population.
He explained further that 60 special courts have been set up to “tackle criminal activities related to the unrest”.
Also speaking on security, Montgomery stated that 400 people have been arrested in connection with the violence, with the government actively pursuing justice against those inciting unrest through hatred and disinformation online.
On her part, Dabiri-Erewa confirmed that no Nigerian casualties have been reported so far in the UK unrest.
She said NIDCOM “is in touch with the Nigerian High Commission in London and other diaspora groups, none of which have reported any incidents involving Nigerian nationals”.
She applauded the UK government for its swift actions, especially the arrests, advising Nigerians to remain safe and vigilant and adhere to the travel advisories issued by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.