NEMA evacuates 708 Nigerians from Niamey, Niger Republic, offering shelter, medical support, and essentials before transporting them to their home states
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has successfully received 708 stranded Nigerians from Niamey, Niger Republic.
Dr. Nura Abdullahi, Head of Operations at NEMA’s Kano office, announced the arrival at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, where the returnees underwent profiling and verification.
The evacuees, transported in 12 buses, included 292 males and 416 females, comprising adults and children from states such as Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Benue, Borno, Yobe, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kogi, and Niger.
“They have been fed, given blankets, mosquito nets, and dignity kits containing toiletries, wrappers, and sanitary pads. By tomorrow morning, they will be transported to their respective states,” Abdullahi said.
Medical personnel from the Nigeria Red Cross were on hand to provide treatment, with severe cases referred to state health facilities. Abdullahi also cautioned youths against risking their lives by seeking greener pastures abroad.
Hajiya Luba Liman, Kano Field Coordinator of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), described the operation as a “whole-of-government approach,” facilitated by the Federal Government in partnership with the Nigerian Embassy in Niamey and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Returnees recounted harrowing experiences. Malam Kamalu Abdullahi from Kaduna said he fled after 12 years in Niamey when violence destroyed homes:
“I woke up hearing people shouting ‘fire, fire’. My house and those of other Nigerians were set ablaze. I was attacked and told to leave the country.”
Rabi’a Inusa from Jigawa, a mother of three, explained her journey:
“I traveled to Niamey after my husband sold our house and threw my belongings on the street. I spent five months in hardship and over N100,000 on transport, returning home with nothing.”
Most returnees, predominantly women and children, appeared distressed upon arrival. Officials from NEMA, NCFRMI, Kano SEMA, and the Nigeria Immigration Service were present to receive and support them.
The Federal Government continues to facilitate voluntary returns, ensuring safety, shelter, and essential support for Nigerians stranded abroad.
