Tamarasset — 274 Niger nationals have been repatriated Thursday to their country from the reception centre of Tamanrasset, as part of a repatriation operation launched by the Algerian authorities on request of the Government of Niger, officials of the Algerian Red Crescent (CRA) in Tamanrasset said.

This 20th group of repatriated Niger nationals in illegal situation in Algeria came from Jijel and Bejaia.

"All administrative regulatory measures (census and identification) have been taken, in coordination with the Consular authorities of Niger in Tamanrasset, in addition to the mobilization of ten buses to transport those Nigerian nationals, accompanied by supervisors," said the Tamanrasset CRA Head Moulay Cheikh.

Other groups of Niger nationals coming from Setif and Souk Ahras will soon be welcomed in the reception center of Tamanrasset, the source said.

Over 5,239 Niger nationals have been repatriated so far, as part of the operation for which the Algerian authorities made sure that all the humanitarian conditions are set for the their safe return.

Niger government requested the repatriation of its nationals in illegal situation and the Algerian authorities have responded favorably.