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The Federal Government of Nigeria has successfully evacuated 1,230 of its stranded citizens from Niamey, the Republic of Niger, reaffirming its commitment to the safety and welfare of citizens abroad.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement by its Spokespersons, 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 .
The returnees arrived in two batches, with 708 individuals returning on March 23, 2026, and the remaining 522 arriving on March 29, 20
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), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), 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 admonished 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.