The National Emergency Management Agency has welcomed a total of 139 Nigerian nationals who voluntarily returned from Agadez, Niger Republic.
The returnees arrived on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, via a Sky Mali flight that touched down at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, at approximately 7:57 p.m.
In a post shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, NEMA confirmed the safe arrival and reception of the migrants, stating that the return was part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safe and dignified repatriation of Nigerians stranded abroad.
According to the agency’s Kano Operations Office, the group consisted of 22 adult males, 52 adult females, 33 male children, and 32 female children.
“The returnees were received, profiled, and accommodated at the Badala Hotel in Kano. Profiling and further documentation were carried out the following day, July 30, 2025,” the statement read.
Speaking on the successful operation, a NEMA official involved in the exercise said, “The reception exercise was carefully coordinated to ensure that the migrants were received with dignity and provided with immediate support services.”
The agency emphasized that it continues to collaborate with partners and stakeholders to facilitate the return of Nigerians who are stranded across various countries, particularly in transit zones like Agadez.
Agadez, a known transit hub for irregular migration through the Sahel region, has seen a high number of Nigerian migrants attempting to cross into North Africa and Europe.
The returnees are expected to receive psychosocial support, basic health screening, and guidance on reintegration into their communities.
NEMA reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Nigerian citizens, stating, “We are committed to ensuring every Nigerian, wherever they may be, is returned safely when in distress abroad.”