The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has received 522 stranded Nigerians repatriated from Niamey, Niger Republic, as part of ongoing voluntary return efforts coordinated by the Federal Government.
The returnees arrived at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano at about 5:10 p.m., where they were received and profiled by officials after being transported in 12 buses.
Speaking to journalists, the Head of Operations at NEMA’s Kano office, Dr. Nura Abdullahi, clarified that the exercise was voluntary and not a forced evacuation. He explained that the return was facilitated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with relevant partners.
A breakdown of the returnees shows 267 adult males, 101 adult females, 82 boys, and 72 girls drawn from various states, including Kano, Jigawa, Plateau, and Bauchi.
NEMA said it had made adequate arrangements for the welfare of the returnees, working alongside agencies such as the Nigerian Red Cross and other stakeholders to provide medical care, temporary shelter, and essential relief materials.
According to Abdullahi, many of the migrants had embarked on irregular journeys toward countries such as Libya and Algeria in search of better economic opportunities but returned after encountering difficulties and risks along the route.
The returnees were provided with food, blankets, mosquito nets, and dignity kits, while arrangements were also made for their onward transportation to their respective states after profiling.
A representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Magaji Umar, commended the Federal Government for ensuring the safe and dignified return of the citizens, noting that the exercise aligns with Nigeria’s migration policy and commitment to protecting its nationals abroad.
The latest batch follows a similar exercise conducted days earlier, underscoring ongoing efforts by authorities to manage irregular migration and support stranded Nigerians.
