On an Ethiopian Airlines chartered flight, the returnees, which NEMA had evacuated on behalf of the Federal Government, touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at 4:40 p.m.
After being profiled and screened, they were received by a team led by NEMA and other pertinent organisations.
Then, a present of $100 was offered to those who returned to assist in their return to their homes.
The returnees were cordially welcomed by Sadiya Farouq, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, in her official role.
They were asked to abide by the guidelines by Dr Suleiman Abubakar, a constable at the ministry and a minister's representative.
She explained that the purpose of the government token was to make their return trip easier.
Due to their experiences, Mustapha Ahmed, Director-General of NEMA, exhorted the repatriates to develop into law-abiding citizens.
According to Ahmed, the Federal Government had authorised the evacuation to assist the Nigerians stuck abroad, who were not there but were represented by Mr Ishaya Chonoko, Deputy Director of Search and Rescue.
Speaking on behalf of the other evacuees, Mr Iwuchukwu Gospel thanked the Federal Government for taking action to secure their safe return.
“We thank the government for bringing us back, though I went there some months back, and when I got there, I saw that Nigeria was better than where I went.
“I made up my mind that I am coming back, but I want to plead with the Federal Government to help bring others back,” he added.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the returning citizens were welcomed by representatives from NEMA, the Nigerian Police, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Citizens, NAPTIP, NiDCom, and NDLEA.