A total of 522 Nigerians stranded in the Niger Republic have been repatriated to Nigeria, arriving in Kano as part of an ongoing voluntary return programme coordinated by the Federal Government.
The returnees were received at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport on Sunday by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), alongside other stakeholders involved in migration management and humanitarian response.
According to the Head of Operations at NEMA’s Kano office, Nura Abdullahi, the exercise was not forced but conducted with the consent of the migrants.
“This is a voluntary repatriation effort facilitated by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The individuals chose to return after facing challenges abroad,” he said.
The returnees, who arrived in a convoy of buses from Niamey, included 267 adult men, 101 adult women, 82 boys, and 72 girls. Many of them are from northern states such as Kano, Jigawa, Plateau, and Bauchi.
Abdullahi explained that several of the migrants had initially embarked on journeys toward North African countries, including Libya and Algeria, in search of better economic opportunities.
“Most of them were trying to move onward to other countries but had to turn back after realising the risks involved in the journey,” he added.
Upon arrival, humanitarian support was immediately provided. Officials from the Nigerian Red Cross Society and other partner agencies offered medical assistance, while relief materials such as food, blankets, mosquito nets, and hygiene kits were distributed.
“We have medical teams on ground, including a mobile intensive care unit, to attend to those with health concerns,” Abdullahi noted.
He further stated that temporary accommodation had been arranged for the returnees pending documentation and onward transportation to their respective states.
Also speaking, a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Magaji Umar, described the operation as a reflection of Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.
“This exercise aligns with the national migration policy and demonstrates the government’s resolve to ensure the safety and dignity of Nigerians, wherever they may be,” Umar said.
He added that the repatriation was achieved through collaboration between Nigerian authorities, foreign missions, and international partners, including the International Organisation for Migration.
Authorities have continued to caution citizens against undertaking unsafe migration routes, stressing that irregular travel exposes individuals to significant risks.
