Conjoined twins, Hassana and Husaina, of Kano State, have returned to Nigeria after undergoing a complex and successful separation surgery in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Our source understands that the twins, who were joined at the lower abdomen, pelvis, and spine, arrived at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on Thursday.
They were received at a modest but symbolic reception attended by Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, members of his cabinet, and Saudi representatives.
“This is not just a medical success, but a humanitarian one,” Governor Yusuf said, pledging that Kano State would assume responsibility for the girls’ welfare, education, and overall development.
The girls were taken to Riyadh in October 2023, where they underwent months of advanced assessments before doctors concluded that the surgery was possible despite the severe complexities.
A 38-member medical team at the King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh carried out the procedure in nine stages lasting 14 hours.
The operation was conducted under the directives of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Dr Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, who led the surgical team, described the case as “one of the most challenging in the history of our programme,” but stressed that its success offered hope to many families around the world.
The Saudi Siamese Twins Separation Programme has now completed 65 successful separations involving 150 twins from 25 countries in 35 years.
At the reception, Saudi Consul General in Kano, Khalil Ahmed Al-Admawi, commended the outcome, noting, “This operation demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global medical assistance. We are proud of our partnership with Nigeria and will continue to offer support through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre.”
The twins and their parents were moved from the airport to a medical facility for post-surgical monitoring.