… 530 intercepted at Katsina border as states of origin span nationwide
… Officials warn of rising irregular migration across West Africa
Daud Olatunji
No fewer than 800 Nigerian migrants have been deported from the Republic of Niger and returned to the country through Kano State, in what has further heightened concerns over irregular migration and porous border control within the West African sub-region.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that at least 530 of the returnees were intercepted and received by immigration officials at the Magama Jibia border in Katsina State.
The figure comprised 345 males and 185 females, while others were transported through coordinated routes into Kano for further processing.
The deportation was formally communicated in a letter issued by the Nigerian Embassy in Niamey to relevant security and immigration authorities in both countries.
The embassy also coordinated the movement of the migrants, who were conveyed in a convoy operated by a private transport company with multiple drivers and attendants.
According to the correspondence, the convoy passed through the Maradi–Katsina border corridor before arriving in Nigeria. The embassy, in the letter referenced NEN/171/2026 and dated March 27, 2026, urged authorities to ensure the safe passage of the returnees without hindrance.
“Grateful therefore, accord them the necessary cooperation and assistance to facilitate their journey in/out without any hindrance,” the letter, signed by G.D. Muhammad on behalf of the Nigerian Ambassador, stated.
Findings showed that the deportees cut across several states of the federation, including Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Niger, Taraba, Adamawa, Enugu, Sokoto, Ebonyi, Gombe, Plateau, Delta, Lagos, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
The development comes just months after the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) repatriated 131 Nigerians from Agadez, Niger Republic, under the Assisted Voluntary Return Programme supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The returnees were received at the Aminu Kano International Airport and later profiled by immigration authorities for documentation and reintegration.
Meanwhile, authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the latest mass deportation.
However, the incident has again brought to the fore the challenges of irregular migration, cross-border movement, and the increasing risks faced by Nigerians seeking better opportunities across West African countries.
Security analysts warn that the trend, if unchecked, could further strain Nigeria’s border management systems and complicate efforts to curb illegal migration within the sub-region.
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