FG Repatriates 1,230 Stranded Nigerians from Niger

FG Repatriates 1,230 Stranded Nigerians from Niger

The Federal Government has evacuated 1,230 Nigerians who were stranded in the Republic of Niger, in a move aimed at safeguarding citizens facing difficult conditions abroad.

The development was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

He said the returnees were brought back in two phases, with 708 arriving on March 23 and another 522 on March 29.

According to Ebienfa, the exercise was carried out in partnership with key stakeholders, including the International Organization for Migration, underscoring the government’s continued commitment to the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora.

He explained that the evacuees were received in Kano by a multi-agency team made up of federal, state and security institutions.

These included the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and the National Emergency Management Agency.

Security agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services also participated in the reception, alongside officials of the Kano and Katsina State Governments.

On arrival, the returnees were profiled and taken to the Immigration Training School in Kano, where they were provided with temporary shelter and basic humanitarian support before being reintegrated into society.

“After the necessary procedures, the evacuees were discharged and reunited with their families,” Ebienfa said.

He noted that the operation reflects a proactive response by the government to the plight of Nigerians abroad, particularly those caught in challenging circumstances.

The ministry also appreciated the Government of Niger for its cooperation, which it said made the exercise seamless.

Ebienfa advised Nigerians living outside the country to remain law-abiding and stay in touch with Nigerian missions to enable prompt assistance when needed.

The latest evacuation follows similar efforts in recent years. In 2023, the Federal Government repatriated thousands of Nigerians from conflict-affected countries such as Libya and Sudan, with support from international partners including the IOM.

Like the Niger operation, those evacuations involved coordinated efforts among multiple agencies to ensure the safe return and reintegration of affected citizens.

Officials say such interventions are part of a broader strategy to protect Nigerians overseas, especially during emergencies and periods of instability.