The Sri Lankan High Commission in Abuja said that it is working with the Nigerian government to confirm at the official level the information about seven Sri Lankans who have been arrested by the Nigerian authorities.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry said that it was working with the Nigerian government on this matter.
The Ministry said diplomatic measures were being followed regarding the Sri Lankans in Nigerian custody.
The arrested Sri Lankans have been detained at Kirkir, Lagos, it is revealed during an inquiry by the Sri Lankan High Commission in Abuja.
The Nigerian police have informed the media yesterday that seven Sri Lankans have been arrested along with 59 other Africans.
The Nigerian police said in a statement that they are accused of engaging in illegal oil transactions.
According to Nigerian media reports, the Nigerian Navy had arrested seven Sri Lankans among others for oil theft also known as oil bunkering and handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that investigates financial crimes.
In December, the Nigerian Navy seized seven ships involved in stealing of Nigeria’s crude oil. According to the reports, seven Sri Lankans are aboard one of the ships.
(Daily News)