LA SUITE APRÈS LA PUBLICITÉ

In a coordinated humanitarian effort, the Federal Government of Nigeria has successfully evacuated 708 Nigerians who were stranded in the Niger Republic.

The returnees, predominantly women and children, arrived at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano on Monday afternoon via a fleet of 12 buses. Nura Abdullahi of the National Emergency Management Agency – NEMA confirmed that the evacuation was facilitated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, targeting citizens from various states including Kano, Katsina, Borno, and Kogi, among others.

Upon their arrival, the returnees were provided with immediate relief materials, including food, blankets, mosquito nets, and dignity kits containing essential toiletries. Medical teams from the Nigeria Red Cross Society were also stationed at the airport to provide health screenings and emergency care, with plans to refer severe cases to specialized facilities.

Following a comprehensive profiling process, NEMA has scheduled the onward transportation of these individuals to their respective home states to begin the process of reintegration.

The repatriation has brought to light harrowing personal accounts of the dangers faced by irregular migrants. One of the returnee, Kamalu Abdullahi, described fleeing for his life after his home in Niamey was set ablaze during a targeted attack on Nigerians. Another, Rabi’a Inusa, recounted a journey of extreme hardship where she spent her life savings to reach Algeria, only to end up sleeping on the streets. These stories underscore the increasing volatility and physical risks associated with seeking “greener pastures” through irregular channels.

This latest operation reflects a broader and concerning migration trend. Data from the International Organization for Migration – IOM indicates that over 60,300 Nigerians have been assisted in returning home since 2017 after facing difficulties abroad.

With recent surveys showing that 56% of Nigerians have considered emigrating due to economic pressures—a significant jump from 36% in 2017—authorities continue to emphasize the importance of safe, legal migration routes and the need for robust domestic support systems for those returning empty-handed.