The Federal Government has evacuated 1,230 stranded Nigerians from neighbouring Niger Republic, reaffirming its commitment to the protection of citizens abroad amid evolving regional challenges.
The evacuation, coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, involved the voluntary repatriation of Nigerians who had been stranded in Niamey, the capital of Niger.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed that the returnees arrived in two batches. The first group of 708 Nigerians was received on March 23, 2026, while a second batch of 522 arrived on March 29, bringing the total number of evacuees to 1,230.
He noted that the humanitarian operation was conducted in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), whose logistical and technical support facilitated the smooth evacuation and reception process.
Upon arrival in Kano, the returnees were received by a joint team of government agencies and humanitarian partners responsible for ensuring orderly processing and immediate assistance.
Agencies involved included the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Also participating were the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and officials of the Kano and Katsina State Governments.
The evacuees underwent profiling at the airport to document their details and facilitate reintegration support. They were subsequently transported to the Immigration Training School in Kano, where they received temporary accommodation, meals, medical care and other essential services.
Authorities confirmed that the returnees were discharged after completing the necessary procedures and reunited with their families.
The ministry stated that the exercise underscores the Federal Government’s responsibility to safeguard the welfare and dignity of Nigerians abroad, particularly in situations posing humanitarian risks.
It also expressed appreciation to the Government of Niger for its cooperation, describing the collaboration as a reflection of the enduring diplomatic and humanitarian ties between both countries.
The ministry further commended international partners, especially the IOM and the ICRC, for their continued support in addressing migration-related challenges.
Nigerians residing abroad were advised to respect the laws of their host countries and maintain regular contact with Nigerian diplomatic missions to enable timely assistance in emergency situations.
