Two Nigerian conjoined twins, Hassana and Husaina, who recently underwent a successful separation surgery in Saudi Arabia, have returned to Nigeria to a warm reception at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The life-saving surgery was performed at the King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh under the directives of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.
The twins, who travelled to Riyadh in October 2023, were discovered to be joined at the lower abdomen, pelvis, and spine, sharing vital structures.
Following months of extensive examinations, a 38-member multidisciplinary medical team carried out the complex separation.
The procedure, conducted in nine stages over 14 hours, required specialists in paediatric surgery, neurosurgery, orthopaedics, urology, anaesthesia and plastic surgery.
Officials described the success as one of the most challenging but rewarding milestones of the Saudi Siamese Twins Separation Programme.
The Consular General of Saudi Arabia in Kano, Khalil Ahmed Al-Admawi, who received the family at the airport, said the success of the surgery demonstrated the Kingdom’s commitment to humanitarian service.
He added that Saudi Arabia would continue to extend medical assistance through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, particularly to Nigeria with which it shares historic ties.
The separation of Hassana and Husaina brings the tally of successful operations under the Saudi Siamese Twins Separation Programme to 65.
Since its establishment 35 years ago, the programme has handled 150 cases of conjoined twins from 25 countries.
Responding after receiving the family at the airport, the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir-Yusuf, pledged that his administration would provide them with adequate healthcare.
Kabir-Yusuf also promised them full scholarships from basic to university level and urged future governments to continue supporting the family.