NEMA receives 153 Nigerians rescued from Chad
The National Emergency Management Agency, in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration and other partners, has received 153 Nigerians repatriated from Chad.
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, NEMA announced in a post on its X handle on Tuesday.
The agency said the returnees were brought back under the Assisted Voluntary Return programme, facilitated by the IOM in partnership with the Federal Government.
According to NEMA, the group comprised 105 adults (63 males and 42 females), 45 children (25 males and 20 females), and three infants (all females).
“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,” the agency stated.
NEMA noted that in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safe, dignified, and humane return of citizens, the returnees were provided with immediate humanitarian assistance, including food and potable water, medical care, ambulance services, luggage handling, logistics support, and counselling.
The exercise, according to the agency, was jointly coordinated by NEMA, the IOM, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, and other relevant stakeholders.
“The seamless and well-organised reception reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to prioritise the welfare and dignity of Nigerians returning from abroad,” NEMA added.
Over the years, NEMA, in partnership with IOM and other agencies, has facilitated the voluntary return and reintegration of thousands of Nigerians stranded in different countries.
