180 Nigerians stranded in Niger have been successfully repatriated to their home country through an operation coordinated by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This return, marked by collaboration between national and international agencies, reflects the Nigerian government’s commitment to addressing migration challenges and providing sustainable solutions.

On February 27, 2025, 180 Nigerian migrants stranded in Niamey, Niger, were successfully repatriated to Nigeria through an initiative coordinated by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI). These voluntary returnees primarily came from Libya, having been deported back to Niger. This return marks the fourth operation of its kind, bringing the total number of Nigerians repatriated from Niger to 1,272 under this scheme, according to the NCFRMI.

The returnees, consisting of 86 adult men, 40 adult women, 25 boys, and 29 girls, were transported to the Kano State airport. Upon arrival, they were welcomed by representatives from various government agencies and partner organizations, including the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

According to authorities, the government’s commitment goes beyond repatriating citizens to their home country; it also focuses on the reintegration of returnees into society. They will also benefit from empowerment programmes under the presidential initiative known as the “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The returnees were registered and profiled by the relevant Nigerian authorities to ensure proper documentation.

This operation highlights the Nigerian government’s commitment to addressing migration-related challenges and providing sustainable solutions for citizens in distress abroad. It also underscores the importance of collaboration between national and international agencies to effectively respond to migration crises. In this regard, the repatriation was made possible through the IOM’s voluntary return programme to migrants’ countries of origin, which has been active in Niger since 2019.

An initiative that the Nigerian federal government is leveraging to repatriate its citizens stranded in various countries, as was the case in Niger and, more recently, in Sudan.