The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has received 123 Nigerian returnees from Algeria under the Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) Programme coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Federal Government.

The returnees arrived at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, aboard a Nesma Airlines flight on Monday as part of ongoing efforts to facilitate the safe, orderly and dignified return of distressed Nigerians stranded abroad.

In a statement dated June 29 and shared on its official X account on Tuesday, NEMA said the reception exercise was coordinated by its Lagos Operations Office in partnership with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and other relevant government agencies.

Breakdown of the Returnees

According to the agency, the group comprised 121 adults, including 112 males and nine females, as well as one female child and one male infant.

Upon arrival, officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) carried out biometric registration and documentation to ensure accurate record-keeping and support the returnees' reintegration into society.

Humanitarian Assistance Provided

NEMA said the returnees received immediate humanitarian assistance in line with the Federal Government's commitment to supporting vulnerable citizens returning from abroad.

The assistance package included food, potable water, medical screening, ambulance services, luggage handling, logistics support, reception services and counselling to help facilitate their reintegration into their communities.

The agency noted that the operation highlights its continued collaboration with local and international partners to ensure returning Nigerians are received safely and treated with dignity.

Similar Repatriation Exercise in 2025

The latest repatriation comes months after NEMA received 104 Nigerian returnees from Algeria under the same Assisted Voluntary Return Programme.

That group consisted of 80 adult males, 14 adult females, two male children, five female children and three infants.

As with the latest batch, the returnees underwent biometric registration by the Nigeria Immigration Service and received humanitarian assistance, including food, water, medical care and logistics support before beginning the reintegration process.

The Assisted Voluntary Return Programme, coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the Federal Government, continues to provide a safe pathway for distressed Nigerian migrants wishing to return home voluntarily from countries across North Africa and beyond.