NEMA receives 150 stranded Nigerians back from Niger

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Kano Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) successfully received 150 Nigerian returnees from Agadez, Niger Republic on Thursday.

The return of the stranded Nigerians was done in partnership with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM),

According to NEMA, The returnees arrived safely at Aminu Kano International Airport at approximately 5:20 a.m., where officials from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) conducted biometric registration and proper documentation to ensure accurate records and facilitate smooth reintegration.

The agency said following registration, the returnees were transported to Bizare Hotel Luxury Apartments for accommodation and profiling scheduled.

The returnees comprised 88 adult male, 32 adult female, 14 male children, and 16 female children, reflecting a broad demographic mix of citizens returning under the Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) initiative.

“In line with the Federal Government’s commitment to a safe, dignified, and humane return, the returnees were provided with immediate humanitarian assistance, including food and potable water to meet nutritional needs, medical care and ambulance services for health concerns, luggage handling and logistical support to ease transit, and overall coordination to ensure a smooth reception process.

“The successful operation was the result of collaborative efforts by NEMA, IOM, NCFRMI, and other stakeholders, ensuring that the exercise was efficient, well-coordinated, and centred on the dignity and welfare of all returnees,” NEMA said.