Nigerian students in Turkish universities are safe under the government, Turkish ambassador to Nigeria, Hakan Cakil has said.

Cakil said this at a dinner reception held to celebrate the 93rd anniversary of Turkey in Abuja.

He denied that 50 Nigerian students were detained in Turkey.

“There were reports that about 50 Nigerians were arrested in Turkey. No Nigerian student is arrested or detained in Turkey.

“All the rights of the Nigerian students who are studying in Turkey are under the protection of the government.

“Unfortunately this was in the media that about 50 Nigerian students were detained or under arrest; these numbers do not reflect the real situation.

“It was a discussion of a non-existant issue.”

Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs, Abike Dabiri also said reports that 50 Nigerian students were arrested was exaggerated.

“The Turkish Ambassador who met with our permanent secretary made it clear that 50 Nigerian students were not detained.

“Two Nigerian students were detained for 11 hours but they were released as soon as the ministry got involved.

“Four Nigerians that they claimed were involved in the coup were released as soon as Nigeria stepped in.

“So there is no problem between Nigeria and Turkey, we continue to maintain strong diplomatic relations and we will also continue to ensure that issues are resolved diplomatically and not through sensations.’’

Azeez