The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with key stakeholders, has received 150 Nigerian returnees from Agadez, Niger Republic.
The returnees arrived at the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, at about 5:20 a.m. on Thursday, according to a statement posted on NEMA’s official X handle on Friday.
The agency said the return was part of the ongoing Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) initiative, supported by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria. The operation was coordinated by NEMA’s Kano Operations Office, alongside the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI).
Upon arrival, officials of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) carried out biometric registration and documentation to ensure proper identification and facilitate smooth reintegration. The returnees were later moved to Bizare Hotel Luxury Apartments for accommodation and profiling on Friday, October 24, 2025.
According to NEMA, the returnees comprised 88 adult males, 32 adult females, 14 male children, and 16 female children.
The agency reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safe, dignified, and humane return of Nigerian citizens stranded abroad. It said the returnees were provided with immediate humanitarian support, including food, potable water, medical care, and logistics assistance to ease their transition.
NEMA noted that the successful coordination of the exercise was made possible through the collaborative efforts of IOM, NCFRMI, and other partners, ensuring an orderly and humane reception process focused on the welfare and dignity of the returnees.
Over the years, NEMA and its partners have facilitated the return of thousands of Nigerians stranded in various countries under the AVR programme.
