The Federal Government has orchestrated the return of over 700 Nigerians who found themselves stranded in the Niger Republic. The coordinated evacuation effort saw the returnees arrive at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano on Monday for essential profiling.

A total of 708 individuals, comprising mostly women and children from various states including Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Benue, Borno, Yobe, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kogi, and Niger, arrived on 12 buses. Nura Abdullahi of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the successful repatriation.

Authorities stated that the returnees are receiving comprehensive support, including shelter, food, and medical care, as part of reintegration efforts. They were also provided with essential items such as blankets, mosquito nets, and dignity kits containing toiletries and sanitary pads.

“By tomorrow morning, after necessary profiling, they will be transported to their respective states,” Abdullahi added. Medical teams from the Nigeria Red Cross Society are on standby to attend to any returnees requiring medical attention, with severe cases to be referred to appropriate health facilities.

Some returnees recounted difficult experiences while seeking opportunities abroad. Kamalu Abdullahi, who had lived in Niamey for 12 years, described fleeing his home after it was set ablaze and facing attacks. He expressed gratitude for the government's assistance in returning home.

Rabi’a Inusa shared her story of migrating due to personal hardship, only to face worse conditions and homelessness in Algeria. She noted spending over N100,000 on transport to Niamey and returning with nothing.

NEMA is tasked with coordinating disaster response and humanitarian assistance in Nigeria, including the reception and reintegration of stranded citizens. This evacuation highlights a broader trend of Nigerians becoming stranded along irregular migration routes.

The International Organization for Migration reported on March 15 that over 60,300 Nigerian migrants have been returned home since 2017 through assisted voluntary return programmes due to difficulties faced abroad. Data from NOI Polls indicates that approximately 56% of Nigerians have considered emigrating, a significant increase from 36% in 2017, underscoring the economic pressures driving migration.