708 Stranded Nigerians Return From Niger, Arrive Kano

No fewer than 708 stranded Nigerians have been repatriated from Niamey, the Niger Republic, arriving in Kano on Monday as part of a Federal Government-coordinated evacuation exercise.

The returnees, conveyed in over 10 buses, were received at the international wing of the Aminu Kano International Airport, where officials commenced profiling and documentation.

Spokesperson of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nura Abdullahi, told journalists that 708 individuals were returned and are undergoing a verification process with all relevant stakeholders on the ground to ensure a smooth reception.

He disclosed that immediate humanitarian support, including food and temporary shelter, had been provided, adding that arrangements were underway to transport the returnees to their respective states.

A breakdown of the figures indicated that Kano State accounts for 303 returnees, followed by Jigawa with 208, Katsina with 67, Kaduna with 39, Borno with 35, Yobe with 19, Zamfara with 16, Benue with 11, with a few others from Kogi and Niger states.

Abdullahi further said medical teams, including Red Cross officials, were present to attend to those with health challenges, noting that severe cases would be referred to appropriate health facilities.

In her remarks, Kano Field Coordinator of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Luba Liman, described the exercise as a “whole-of-government response.”

She explained that the returnees were evacuated through a collaborative effort involving the Nigerian Embassy in Niamey and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to her, the repatriation was voluntary, as many of the migrants lacked the means to return home.

“We have made arrangements for their shelter, feeding and other support services, including the provision of dignity kits for women. After the profiling exercise, they will be handed over to relevant authorities for further reintegration,” she said.