Nigeria's emergency agency welcomes back 123 citizens repatriated from Algeria

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The National Emergency Management Agency says it has received 123 Nigerian returnees from Algeria under the Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) Programme.

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Recall that in July 2025, NEMA said it received 104 Nigerian returnees from Algeria.n

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According to the report then, the group comprised 80 adult males, 14 adult females, two male children, five female children and three infants.

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The returnees underwent biometric registration by the Nigeria Immigration Service and received humanitarian assistance, including food, water, medical support and logistics services.

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Meanwhile, in a Tuesday statement posted on X and dated June 29, “the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos Operations Office, has received 123 Nigerian returnees from Algeria under the ongoing Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) Programme facilitated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

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NEMA stated that the returnees “arrived at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday aboard a Nesma Airlines flight as part of efforts to ensure the safe, dignified and orderly return of distressed Nigerians.”

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The agency said the reception exercise “was coordinated by NEMA in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and other relevant government agencies.”

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Providing a breakdown of those received, NEMA said, “the returnees comprised 121 adults, including 112 males and nine females, one female child and one male infant.”

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The agency further disclosed that, “upon arrival, officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) conducted biometric registration and documentation to facilitate proper record keeping and support the reintegration process.”

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According to NEMA, the returnees were provided with immediate support on arrival.

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The agency said, “in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of returning citizens, the returnees received immediate humanitarian assistance, including food, potable water, medical screening, ambulance services, luggage handling, logistics support, as well as reception and counselling services to facilitate their smooth reintegration into society.”

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NEMA noted that the exercise “underscores NEMA’s continued commitment to coordinating humanitarian interventions and working with relevant partners to ensure the safe and dignified return of vulnerable Nigerians.”

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