Another 522 Stranded Nigerians Return From Niger Republic

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Sunday received another batch of 522 stranded Nigerians repatriated from Niamey, Niger Republic, as part of ongoing voluntary return efforts by the federal government.

The returnees, conveyed in 12 buses, arrived at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport at about 5:10 p.m., where they were received and profiled by relevant authorities.

Speaking to journalists, the Head of Operations at NEMA’s Kano Office, Dr. Nura Abdullahi, described the exercise as voluntary, stressing that it was not a forced evacuation.

“It is a voluntary repatriation of Nigerians from Niger Republic, facilitated by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he said.

Abdullahi disclosed that the returnees comprised 267 adult males, 101 adult females, 82 boys and 72 girls drawn from states including Kano, Jigawa, Plateau and Bauchi.

He added that adequate arrangements had been made in collaboration with stakeholders to cater for the returnees upon arrival.

“All relevant stakeholders are on ground. The Nigerian Red Cross has deployed its medical team, and a mobile intensive care unit has been provided. Some of the returnees with health challenges are already receiving attention,” he stated.

He attributed the migration trend to the search for better economic opportunities, noting that many of the returnees had embarked on risky journeys towards countries such as Libya and Algeria before opting to return.

Temporary shelter arrangements, he said, had also been made, while the returnees were provided with food items, blankets, mosquito nets and dignity kits containing essential supplies.

“After profiling and verification, they will be transported to their respective states,” he added, while cautioning Nigerians against undertaking dangerous migration in search of greener pastures.

Also speaking, a representative of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Magaji Umar, commended the federal government for ensuring the safe and dignified return of the citizens.

He noted that the exercise aligns with Nigeria’s migration policy and reflects ongoing efforts to protect citizens abroad through coordinated engagement involving Nigerian missions and the International Organization for Migration.

The latest development comes days after 708 stranded Nigerians were similarly received in Kano under the same repatriation arrangement.