The Nigerian federal government has repatriated 1,230 stranded citizens from the Republic of Niger, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed. The coordinated evacuation highlights ongoing consular efforts to assist Nigerians facing displacement or hardship in neighboring countries.
Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa stated that the returnees arrived in two scheduled batches, with 708 individuals landing on March 23 and 522 on March 29. The operation was conducted in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and other relevant agencies, reflecting a structured approach to diaspora welfare and emergency repatriation.
Upon arrival in Kano, the evacuees were received by a multi-agency coordination team. Officials from the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were deployed to manage the reception. Additional support was provided by representatives from the Kano State Emergency Management Agency, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Nigeria Police Force, the State Security Service, and the Kano and Katsina state governments.
Following initial profiling and documentation, the returnees were transferred to the Immigration Training School in Kano. There, they were provided with temporary shelter, medical screening, and essential supplies. After completing administrative procedures, all individuals were formally discharged and reunited with their families.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the exercise as part of a broader framework to safeguard Nigerian citizens overseas and maintain diplomatic coordination with host nations. Officials commended the government of Niger for its logistical cooperation and reiterated the federal government’s commitment to proactive consular response.
In a follow-up advisory, the ministry urged Nigerians residing abroad to comply with local immigration regulations, maintain regular contact with Nigerian diplomatic missions, and register with consular databases to ensure timely assistance during emergencies. The government continues to monitor regional migration patterns and remains engaged in bilateral dialogues to address the underlying factors contributing to stranded populations.
