NEMA Receives 104 Nigerians Repatriated from Algeria
In a renewed effort to assist stranded Nigerians abroad, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Monday, June 30, 2025, received 104 Nigerian returnees who were repatriated from Algeria. The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at approximately 1:50 p.m. via an Air Algérie flight No. 70-BKT.
This humanitarian repatriation was coordinated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the IOM’s Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) Programme. The program provides safe and dignified passage home for migrants who become stranded and often victims of irregular migration, trafficking, or forced labor.
Demographics of Returnees
The group comprised:
- 80 adult males
- 14 adult females
- 2 male children
- 5 female children
- 3 infants
The returnees were received by a combined team from NEMA, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Port Health Services.
Reception and Reintegration Process
Speaking during the reception, the Lagos Territorial Coordinator of NEMA, Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, explained that the returnees were immediately attended to upon arrival. Basic support items such as food, drinking water, first aid, and medical assistance were provided. Health officials from Port Health Services were on hand to screen all individuals for potential illnesses.
The returnees also underwent biometric screening and profiling by immigration officers to confirm their identities and ensure proper reintegration measures.
Mr. Farinloye emphasized the importance of educating Nigerians, particularly the youth, about the dangers of irregular migration, stating that many of the returnees shared stories of exploitation, hardship, and abuse they experienced while trying to cross into Europe through the North African route.
“Most of these returnees were rescued from detention centers and unsafe conditions in Algeria where they had been held after failed attempts to cross into Europe,” he said.
Caution Against Irregular Migration
The Federal Government reiterated its call for Nigerians to avoid illegal migration channels and promised to continue working with international organizations to facilitate the safe return of citizens in distress abroad.
Mr. Farinloye also stressed the need for reintegration support, urging communities and families to help returnees rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.
Growing Trend
This repatriation exercise marks one of several similar operations carried out in recent years. Since 2017, thousands of Nigerians have been brought back from countries such as Libya, Mali, Niger, and now Algeria, as part of efforts to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable migrants.
Conclusion
While many Nigerians continue to seek opportunities abroad, the government and its partners are urging citizens to explore legal, safe, and informed options. The return of these 104 individuals from Algeria is a reminder of the harsh realities of irregular migration and the ongoing efforts to restore dignity and hope to those who find themselves trapped in foreign lands.
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