KANO, NIGERIA
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), through its Kano Operations Office, has successfully received a total of 150 Nigerian returnees from Agadez, Niger Republic. The city of Agadez is widely known as a critical transit hub for irregular migration across the Sahara Desert, often a pathway Nigerians and other West Africans take towards Libya, Algeria, and ultimately Europe in search of better economic opportunities or fleeing instability.
The reception, as reported by NEMA on its X handle, which took place at the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, at approximately 5:20 hours on Thursday, October 23, 2025, is part of the ongoing Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) initiative supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The operation was conducted in partnership with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI). Many migrants who travel further from Agadez are often arrested and deported or repatriated back to Niger, frequently arriving in or near Agadez without essential resources or documents, highlighting the importance of the safe return mechanism provided by the AVR.
Upon arrival, officials from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) promptly conducted thorough biometric registration and proper documentation for all 150 returnees to ensure accurate records and smooth reintegration into the country. Following registration, the returnees were transported to the Bizare Hotel Luxury Apartments for accommodation and comprehensive profiling on October 24, 2025.
The demographic breakdown of the received group included 88 adult males, 32 adult females, 14 male children, and 16 female children.
In line with the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safe, dignified, and humane return of its citizens, the returnees were provided with immediate humanitarian assistance. This included the provision of food and potable water to meet immediate nutritional needs, medical care and ambulance services for health-related concerns, luggage handling and logistics support to ease their transit process, and general coordination to ensure a smooth and orderly reception exercise. The collaborative efforts of NEMA, IOM, NCFRMI, and other key stakeholders ensured that the entire reception process was well-coordinated, efficient, and centred on the dignity and welfare of all returnees.
