The Federal Government has successfully brought back 390 Nigerians who were stranded in Niamey, Niger Republic.
The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons confirmed that the returnees included 387 adult males, two adult females, and one infant.
The returnees arrived at the Immigration Training School in Kano around 1 a.m. on Tuesday in a coordinated effort led by the Nigerian Mission in Niamey and the International Organisation for Migration.
This operation is part of the voluntary return program that began in 2024. It marks the third batch of Nigerians repatriated from Niger Republic, bringing the total to 1,103 since December last year.
On arrival, the NCFRMI and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) officials registered and profiled the returnees to ensure proper documentation and access to federal government reintegration programs.
The Federal Commissioner for NCFRMI, Tijani Ahmed, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the returnees. Represented by Kano Field Coordinator Hajia Lubah Liman, Ahmed explained that the returnees would be integrated into empowerment programs under President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
“The government is determined to ensure these returnees are reintegrated and supported through various empowerment initiatives,” Ahmed said.
He also praised the collaboration between the agencies involved, noting that their teamwork ensured the smooth execution of the operation.
“This seamless collaboration among various stakeholders highlights the importance of working together to address migration challenges effectively,” Ahmed added.
Several agencies participated in the reception exercise, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, International Organisation for Migration, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, National Emergency Management Agency, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Red Cross Society, and representatives from state humanitarian and emergency management agencies.
