A total of 153 Nigerian nationals have returned to the country from Chad under the Assisted Voluntary Return Programme, a joint initiative between the International Organisation for Migration and the Federal Government. The National Emergency Management Agency received the returnees, who arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on October 27, 2025.
According to the Lagos Operations Office of NEMA, the returnees, comprising 105 adults and 48 children and infants, arrived aboard an ASKY Airlines flight. The breakdown of the returnees includes 63 male and 42 female adults, 25 male and 20 female children, and three female infants. Upon arrival, the Nigeria Immigration Service conducted biometric registration and documentation to facilitate their reintegration into the country.
In line with the federal government’s commitment to ensuring the safe and dignified return of citizens, NEMA provided the returnees with immediate humanitarian assistance. This included food, potable water, medical care, and ambulance services, as well as luggage handling and logistics support. The agency also offered general coordination and counselling services to support the returnees’ transition.
The operation was jointly coordinated with the International Organisation for Migration, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, and other relevant stakeholders. The Assisted Voluntary Return Programme is designed to support the voluntary return and reintegration of migrants, and this latest effort marks a significant step in this process.
The successful return of the 153 Nigerian nationals is a testament to the collaboration between the Federal Government, the International Organisation for Migration, and other partners. As the returnees settle back into their communities, they will require ongoing support to ensure their smooth reintegration. The National Emergency Management Agency and its partners will continue to play a critical role in providing this support and ensuring the well-being of the returnees.