147 Stranded Nigerians Return From Niger Republic

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has received a total of 147 Nigerian nationals repatriated from Niamey, Niger Republic, under the Assisted Voluntary Return programme coordinated by the Federal Government and international partners.

In a post made by the agency via its X page, the returnees arrived at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) on Sunday, 8 December 2025, at about 1:00 p.m. aboard an Asky Airlines flight.

The operation was coordinated by NEMA’s Kano Operations Office in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Nigerian Red Cross Society, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other key stakeholders.

According to NEMA, upon arrival, NIS personnel conducted biometric registration and documentation of all the returnees.

They were subsequently transported to the Nigeria Immigration Service Training School in Kano, where, on Monday, 9 December 2025, relevant agencies carried out comprehensive profiling to support their reintegration into society.

NEMA stated that the entire reception and verification process was conducted in an orderly and humane manner, with strong emphasis on the safety, dignity and welfare of the returnees.

A demographic breakdown shows that the group comprised 118 adult males, 11 male children, 15 adult females and 3 female children, bringing the total number to 147.

NEMA reiterated that the Federal Government remains committed to facilitating the voluntary repatriation and reintegration of Nigerians stranded abroad, in line with international best practices.