263 Nigerians Return Home From Agadez as Federal Repatriation Drive Expands

No fewer than 263 stranded Nigerians have returned home from Agadez in the Niger Republic, landing at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport in a fresh wave of repatriations under a coordinated humanitarian programme..

Their return marks the latest in a series of assisted evacuations targeting Nigerians stranded along key migration routes in West and North Africa.

The operation was facilitated under the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme of the International Organisation for Migration in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI).

Read also: 3,122 Nigerian refugees in Cameroon for repatriation Officials said the latest exercise reflects a sustained response to the growing number of Nigerians seeking to abandon irregular migration journeys due to economic hardship, insecurity, and tightening border controls across transit countries.

Representing the Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, Lubah, the Commission’s Kano State Coordinator, described the repatriation as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safe, orderly and dignified return of Nigerians stranded abroad.

She stressed that the process was strictly voluntary and followed extensive consultations with the migrants in Agadez, a major transit hub for West African migrants attempting to cross the Sahara towards North Africa and Europe.

According to Liman, upon arrival in Kano, officials of the Nigerian Immigration Service commenced profiling and documentation of the returnees to establish their identities and states of origin.

She added that other government agencies, including the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), were on ground to provide necessary support.

The inter-agency collaboration, she noted, is designed to address both humanitarian and security concerns, while ensuring that vulnerable returnees — particularly women and children — receive appropriate care and protection.

After documentation, the returnees are expected to receive multipurpose cash assistance and transportation support to enable them travel safely to their respective communities across the country.

Reintegration packages, including assistance to start small-scale businesses or acquire vocational skills, will also be provided to help them rebuild their lives.

Read also: Nigeria arrests, repatriates Turkish fraud convict wanted on INTERPOL Red Notice Recent months have witnessed an uptick in voluntary returns from transit countries such as Niger and Libya, amid increased crackdowns on irregular migration networks and worsening living conditions for undocumented migrants.

Humanitarian actors say many young Nigerians who embarked on perilous journeys in search of better economic prospects are now opting to return home rather than risk exploitation, detention or abuse.

Liman reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to migrant protection and sustainable reintegration, noting that the effort aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

She said strengthened partnerships between government agencies and international organisations demonstrate Nigeria’s resolve to address the root causes of irregular migration while providing humane solutions for affected citizens.

The AVRR initiative continues to serve as a critical humanitarian pathway for stranded migrants who voluntarily choose to return, offering not only safe passage home but also structured reintegration support aimed at reducing the likelihood of re-migration.