By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the successful evacuation and safe return of stranded Nigerian nationals from Niger Republic, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of its citizens abroad.
The humanitarian operation, carried out in collaboration with national and international partners, facilitated the voluntary repatriation of 1,230 Nigerians. The evacuees arrived in two batches, with 708 persons returning on March 23, 2026, and 522 others on March 29, 2026.
The Ministry worked closely with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), whose logistical and technical support ensured the smooth execution of the evacuation exercise, reflecting Nigeria’s continued engagement with global partners on migration issues.
Upon arrival in Kano, the returnees were received by a multi-agency team, including officials from NCFRMI, NAPTIP, NEMA, NIS, NSCDC, as well as representatives of SEMA, ICRC, the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, and the Kano and Katsina State Governments.
The coordinated presence of these agencies ensured an efficient and orderly reception process, highlighting the importance of inter-agency collaboration in responding to humanitarian situations. The Ministry commended all stakeholders for their professionalism and dedication.
After arrival, the evacuees underwent profiling at the airport to ensure proper documentation and facilitate reintegration. They were subsequently moved to the Immigration Training School, Kano, where they received temporary accommodation, meals, sanitary supplies, and basic medical care.
The Ministry confirmed that the returnees have since been safely discharged and reunited with their families, underscoring the Government’s commitment not only to evacuation but also to humane reintegration.
The evacuation forms part of the Federal Government’s broader responsibility to safeguard Nigerians globally and demonstrates a proactive response to emerging risks affecting citizens abroad. The Ministry added that it continues to monitor developments in the region.
The Ministry expressed appreciation to the Government of Niger Republic for its cooperation, noting that the collaboration reinforces the longstanding bilateral relations and shared commitment to regional stability and humanitarian values.
It also acknowledged the critical contributions of international partners, particularly the IOM and ICRC, whose support was instrumental to the success of the operation.
Nigerians living abroad were advised to remain law-abiding, comply with the laws of their host countries, and maintain contact with Nigerian diplomatic missions. The Ministry also urged citizens to register with embassies or consulates to enable timely assistance during emergencies.
