Federal Government repatriates 1,230 stranded Nigerians from Niger in two batches, providing support and reuniting them with families.
The Federal Government has repatriated 1,230 stranded Nigerians from the Republic of Niger, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed this in a statement issued Wednesday in Abuja, noting that the returnees arrived in two batches.
According to him, 708 Nigerians returned on March 23, while another 522 arrived on March 29. He said the evacuation was carried out in collaboration with relevant partners, including the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
Ebienfa explained that the exercise underscored the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare of Nigerians abroad.
He said the returnees were received in Kano by a multi-agency team comprising officials of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, National Emergency Management Agency, Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Others involved in the reception included representatives of the Kano State Emergency Management Agency, International Committee of the Red Cross, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, as well as officials of Kano and Katsina State governments.
The spokesperson said the returnees were profiled on arrival and transported to the Immigration Training School in Kano, where they were provided temporary shelter and basic support.
“After the necessary procedures, the evacuees were discharged and reunited with their families,” he said.
Ebienfa added that the operation reflected the government’s proactive approach to safeguarding Nigerians abroad. He also commended the Government of Niger for its cooperation and urged Nigerians overseas to remain law-abiding and maintain contact with Nigerian diplomatic missions.
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