 has confirmed the safe return of 150 stranded Nigerians from Agadez, Niger Republic,){kind=link}
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the safe return of 150 stranded Nigerians from Agadez, Niger Republic, under a joint repatriation mission coordinated with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and other partners.
The agency said the returnees touched down at the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, at about 5:20 a.m. on Thursday, as part of the ongoing Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) programme supported by the Federal Government.
In a statement issued late Friday, NEMA explained that the group comprised 88 adult men, 32 women, 14 boys, and 16 girls, all of whom were received and processed by relevant government agencies immediately after arrival.
According to the agency, officials from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) conducted biometric registration and documentation for the returnees to ensure accurate recordkeeping and facilitate their reintegration into the country.
After their arrival procedures, the returnees were taken to Bizare Hotel Luxury Apartments in Kano for temporary shelter and profiling by NEMA in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI).
NEMA noted that humanitarian assistance was immediately provided to the returnees, including food, clean water, medical care, and logistics support to ease their transition.
“Our priority is to ensure that every Nigerian who returns home is treated with dignity and receives the support necessary to restart life safely,” said a senior NEMA official, who emphasized the agency’s commitment to humane and coordinated repatriation efforts.
The statement added that ambulance services and medical teams were on standby to address any health concerns, while luggage handling and other logistics were properly managed to ensure a seamless reception process.
Over the years, NEMA, in partnership with IOM and other international bodies, has facilitated the voluntary return of thousands of Nigerians stranded across various countries, particularly in North Africa.
“This collaborative effort once again demonstrates Nigeria’s dedication to protecting its citizens, no matter where they find themselves,” the agency added.
The returnees are expected to undergo further profiling and reintegration support in the coming days to help them settle back into their communities.