By George Omagbemi Sylvester
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has repatriated 497 stranded Nigerians from Niamey, Niger Republic, following failed migration attempts toward Libya and other North African routes. The returnees arrived at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, under a voluntary evacuation programme coordinated by the Federal Government in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
On Saturday, 24 May 2026, authorities confirmed that the migrants underwent profiling, medical checks, and humanitarian assistance upon arrival in Kano.
According to NEMA officials, many of the returnees embarked on the dangerous migration journey in search of better economic opportunities abroad but later encountered severe hardship, insecurity, and poor living conditions in transit countries.
Some of the returnees reportedly recounted experiences of hunger, exploitation, homelessness, and failed attempts to cross into Libya through desert routes controlled by criminal trafficking networks.
Humanitarian officials warned that irregular migration continues to expose many young Nigerians to life-threatening risks, including abuse, detention, and human trafficking.
The repatriation reflects ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities and international partners to discourage unsafe migration while promoting safer and legal alternatives for economic mobility and employment opportunities abroad.
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