In a coordinated operation at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Tuesday evening received 139 Nigerian migrants who had left Agadez, Niger Republic.
22 adult males, 52 adult females, 33 male children, and 32 female children made up the returnees, who arrived on a Sky Mali flight at 7:57 p.m. Representatives from other relevant organizations also received them from NEMA’s Kano Operations Office.
A NEMA official reiterated the organization’s commitment to Nigerian citizens’ safe and dignified return during a press conference at the airport.
The official, who requested anonymity, stated that “Today’s exercise is part of our ongoing efforts to support compatriots who find themselves stranded abroad.”
The returnees were transported to Badala Hotel for temporary accommodation after being documented at the airport, where profiling and other support activities were carried out the following day.
One of the returnees, Amina Lawal, expressed her relief at being safely returned home. Although the journey was challenging, we appreciate the warm welcome from the NEMA and the Nigerian government.
NEMA officials reiterated the organization’s commitment to the welfare and reintegration of returnees and described the reception exercise as “well-coordinated and successfully conducted.”
The official continued, “We will work with our partners to ensure that these returnees’ communities receive the necessary support,” the official continued.
Also read: NEMA Repatriates 104 Nigerians from Algeria
Migration Issues and Porous Borders
The Niger Republic’s northern borders are notoriously porous, facilitating frequent and largely unregulated cross-border travel. Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Niger, Kwara, Kebbi, and Sokoto states bordering the Benin Republic, as well as Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Borno states sharing borders with Niger, as well as Borno bordering Chad.
Lucky Irabor, a former chief of the defense staff (CDS), revealed in 2022 that of the 261 approved by the Federal Government, 137 were unprotected borders alone.
“Nigeria has approximately 364 approved international border points, with approximately 261 in the North-East and North-West regions. Only 124 of these are manned, with the rest 137 manned by security agencies, according to Irabor.
The current CDS, Christopher Musa, advocated for the fencing of the country’s borders during a media briefing at the Defense Headquarters in Abuja in June 2025.
Many Nigerians, however, see border fencing as a gimmick, especially for a nation that struggles with high debts, high incomes, and widespread corruption.
Source: Channels TV
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