Abuja — The Federal Government has successfully evacuated and repatriated 1,230 stranded Nigerians from Niamey, Niger Republic, in a coordinated humanitarian operation led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ministry, in a press statement issued on Wednesday by its Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the evacuation underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the welfare, dignity, and safety of Nigerians abroad.
According to the statement, the returnees were brought back to Nigeria in two batches, with 708 persons arriving on March 23, 2026, while the second batch of 522 persons returned on March 29, 2026.
The Ministry said the operation was carried out in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), whose logistical and technical support was described as critical to the smooth execution of the exercise.
It noted that upon arrival in Kano, the evacuees were received by a multi-agency team comprising officials of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Also present were representatives of the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), as well as officials of the Kano and Katsina State Governments.
The Ministry said the coordinated reception process reflected strong inter-agency collaboration in handling humanitarian emergencies.
Following arrival procedures, the returnees underwent a profiling exercise at the airport for proper documentation and reintegration planning before being moved to the Immigration Training School, Kano (ITSK), where temporary shelter was provided.
During their stay, the evacuees received meals, sanitary supplies, and basic medical care where necessary.
The Ministry said all the returnees were later safely discharged and reunited with their families after the completion of necessary procedures.
It added that the evacuation forms part of the Federal Government’s broader responsibility to safeguard Nigerians wherever they may be, while also reflecting Nigeria’s proactive response to developments that could endanger its citizens abroad.
The Ministry further expressed appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Niger for its cooperation during the operation, saying the support reinforced the longstanding bilateral ties between both countries and their shared commitment to regional stability and humanitarian principles.
It also acknowledged the contributions of international partners, particularly the IOM and ICRC, for their role in the successful completion of the exercise.
The Ministry advised Nigerians living abroad to remain law-abiding, respect the laws of their host countries, and maintain regular contact with Nigerian diplomatic missions. It also urged citizens to register with the nearest Nigerian Embassy or Consulate to enable timely assistance in emergencies.
