The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has received 497 Nigerians repatriated from the Republic of Niger in a special exercise at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.

NEMA disclosed on Monday that the returnees arrived on Friday 22 May 2026,  comprising 174 adult men, 97 adult women, 137 boys and 89 girls.

The reception was coordinated by the head of NEMA’s Kano Operations Office, Dr Nura Abdullahi, who led the agency’s team in processing the returnees and arranging immediate humanitarian assistance and emergency support.

Speaking during the operation, NEMA stated that the exercise was in line with its statutory mandate to coordinate disaster and emergency management at the national level. 

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The agency said this included providing relief and support to vulnerable people affected by emergencies.

NEMA also thanked security agencies and partner organisations for their cooperation, saying their contributions helped ensure a safe and orderly reception.

The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and to delivering timely humanitarian assistance to people affected by disasters and emergencies across Nigeria.