The Federal Government has successfully evacuated 1,230 stranded Nigerians from Niamey in the Republic of Niger, reaffirming its commitment to the safety and welfare of citizens abroad.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement by the Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, on Wednesday, disclosed that the evacuation was carried out in collaboration with national and international partners, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The returnees arrived in two batches, with 708 individuals returning on March 23, 2026, and the remaining 522 arriving on March 29, 2026.
According to the ministry, the operation was supported by a multi-agency team comprising officials from 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).
Other stakeholders included the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Services (DSS), as well as representatives of Kano and Katsina State governments.
Upon arrival in Kano, the returnees underwent profiling and documentation before being moved to the Immigration Training School, Kano, where they were provided temporary shelter, food, sanitary supplies, and medical care.
The ministry confirmed that all evacuees have since been safely reunited with their families after completing necessary procedures, noting that the exercise highlights the government’s focus on humane reintegration.
It also expressed appreciation to the Government of Niger for its cooperation and commended international partners, particularly the IOM and ICRC, for their support in ensuring a smooth operation.
The ministry advised Nigerians living abroad to remain law-abiding, stay in contact with Nigerian diplomatic missions, and register with embassies or consulates to enable prompt assistance in emergencies.