Two Nigerian conjoined twins, Hassana and Husaina, who recently underwent a  successful separation surgery in Saudi Arabia, have returned to the country to an emotional reception at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

The twins were separated at the King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, following the directives of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Hassana and Husaina were flown to Saudi Arabia in October 2023 for medical evaluation after doctors in Nigeria confirmed they were joined at the lower abdomen, pelvis, and spine, sharing vital body structures. Their case was described as highly complex.

After months of thorough examinations, a 38-member team of consultants, including pediatric surgeons, neurosurgeons, orthopedic experts, urologists, anesthetists, and plastic surgeons, carried out the delicate procedure.

The surgery lasted 14 hours and was performed in nine carefully coordinated stages. 

Doctors described the outcome as one of the most challenging but successful cases ever handled under Saudi Arabia’s Siamese Twins Separation Program.

Speaking at the airport, on Friday, the Consular General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Kano, Khalil Ahmed Al-Admawi, said the successful separation was a clear demonstration of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to humanitarian services.

He noted that through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, the Kingdom would continue to assist countries in need, including Nigeria, with which it enjoys historic ties.

The case of Hassana and Husaina is the 65th successful surgery carried out under the Saudi program, which has handled 150 sets of conjoined twins from 25 countries in the last 35 years. 

The programme is regarded as one of the world’s leading humanitarian medical initiatives, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s expertise in pediatric surgery and its global outreach.

In his remarks, the Kano state Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, expressed delight over the safe return of the Nigerian conjoined twins, Hassana and Husaina, who recently underwent a successful separation surgery in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking at the reception ceremony in Kano, the governor thanked the government of Saudi Arabia for what he described as “a remarkable humanitarian gesture that saved the lives of the children. 

He noted that the assistance provided by the Saudi authorities will remain memorable to the people of Kano and Nigeria at large.

The governor assured that the state would assume full responsibility for the welfare of the twins. 

According to him, the state will cater for their healthcare, education, feeding and other basic needs required for their wellbeing. 

He emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring the children grow up in a healthy and supportive environment.

Governor Yusuf also appealed to the general public to continue to pray for the complete recovery and bright future of the children. 

He maintained that collective prayers and support are crucial in helping them live a fulfilled life after the life-saving operation.

Blueprint reported that the parents of the twins, Malam Hassan Isah and their mother, Suwaiba, expressed gratitude to the governor for the care and support he has shown them since the birth of the children up to the completion of the surgery in Saudi Arabia.