Nigeria Repatriates Over 1,200 Stranded Citizens from Niger
In a significant effort to ensure the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad, the Nigerian government has successfully repatriated 1,230 Nigerians stranded in Niger. The operation, carried out in collaboration with international partners, highlights the government’s commitment to protecting its nationals overseas.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the success of the evacuation on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. According to ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, the returnees arrived in Nigeria in two batches: the first group of 708 landed on March 23, followed by a second group of 522 on March 29. The evacuations were conducted with the support of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), among other partners.
The returnees were welcomed in Kano by a multi-agency team comprising representatives from various organizations. These included the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons; the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons; the National Emergency Management Agency; the Nigeria Immigration Service; and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Additionally, officials from the Kano and Katsina State governments, as well as international bodies like the International Committee of the Red Cross, were on hand to assist.
Upon arrival, the returnees underwent profiling and were relocated to the Immigration Training School in Kano. There, they received temporary shelter and essential support before being discharged and reunited with their families.
Ebienfa emphasized that the operation underscores the government’s proactive approach to safeguarding Nigerians abroad. He also expressed gratitude to the government of Niger for its cooperation in facilitating the repatriation process. In his statement, Ebienfa urged Nigerians living abroad to remain law-abiding and maintain close contact with Nigerian missions in their host countries.
This repatriation effort follows a series of similar operations by the Nigerian government to bring stranded citizens home from various countries. It reflects a broader commitment to addressing the challenges faced by Nigerian migrants and ensuring their safe return when necessary.
For many of the returnees, the journey home marks the end of a difficult and uncertain period. The government’s swift action in coordinating the evacuation has been widely praised as a demonstration of its dedication to the welfare of its citizens.
As the country continues to grapple with migration-related challenges, such operations remain a critical component of Nigeria’s strategy to protect its nationals and uphold their dignity, wherever they may be.
— Reported by Nexio News
