The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has received 153 stranded Nigerians repatriated from Chad under the Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) programme facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria.
According to a statement posted by NEMA on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, the returnees arrived at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 12:15 p.m. on Monday aboard an ASKY Airlines flight with registration number CAS-AC.
The group comprised 105 adults—including 63 males and 42 females—alongside 45 children (25 boys and 20 girls) and three female infants.
Upon arrival, officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) conducted biometric registration and documentation of the returnees to ensure proper profiling and facilitate their smooth reintegration into the country.
“Upon arrival, officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service conducted biometric registration and documentation to ensure accurate profiling and facilitate their smooth reintegration into the country,” NEMA stated.
The agency explained that the exercise was part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safe, dignified, and humane return of Nigerians displaced or stranded abroad.
NEMA added that the returnees were immediately provided with humanitarian assistance, including food, potable water, medical care, ambulance services, luggage handling, logistics support, and counselling.
The operation was jointly coordinated by NEMA, IOM, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), and other relevant stakeholders.
“The seamless and well-organised reception reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to prioritising the welfare and dignity of Nigerians returning from abroad,” NEMA said.
Over the years, NEMA and IOM have jointly facilitated the voluntary return and reintegration of thousands of Nigerians stranded in various countries, especially across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
The agency reaffirmed that such exercises would continue as part of efforts to support Nigerians affected by irregular migration and to promote safe and lawful migration practices in line with national and international humanitarian standards.
