April 01, (THEWILL) — The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the protection and welfare of Nigerians abroad with the successful repatriation of 1,230 stranded citizens from the Republic of Niger.
A statement signed on Wednesday by Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed that the returnees arrived in two batches — 708 on March 23 and 522 on March 29.
Ebienfa explained that the evacuation exercise was carried out in collaboration with key international and local partners, including the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), highlighting the government’s proactive response to the plight of Nigerians overseas.
According to him, 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 the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
He added that the reception team also included representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Kano State Emergency Management Agency, as well as officials of the Kano and Katsina State Governments.
The spokesperson said upon arrival, the evacuees were profiled and documented before being moved to the Immigration Training School in Kano, where they received temporary shelter and essential support.
“After the necessary procedures, the evacuees were discharged and reunited with their families,” Ebienfa stated, noting that the seamless reintegration underscored effective inter-agency coordination.
He further commended the Government of Niger for its cooperation throughout the exercise, describing the partnership as vital to the mission’s success.
Ebienfa urged Nigerians living abroad to remain law-abiding and maintain regular contact with Nigerian diplomatic missions, assuring that the Federal Government would continue to prioritise the safety and well-being of its citizens wherever they reside.
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