The Kano State Government has welcomed back conjoined twins, Hassana and Hussaina, following a successful separation surgery carried out in Saudi Arabia.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, alongside senior state officials and representatives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, received the twins and their parents on Friday at the Aminu Kano International Airport.
The arrival marked the end of a medical journey that began in October 2023, when the twins were flown to Riyadh for specialist care. Born conjoined at the lower abdomen, pelvis, and spine, their case was medically complex, requiring a carefully coordinated, multi-disciplinary intervention.
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.
Over 38 medical experts, including paediatric surgeons, neurosurgeons, orthopaedic specialists, anaesthesiologists, and plastic surgeons, took part in the 14-hour operation.
The procedure, completed in nine distinct phases, successfully separated the girls, who are now able to live independently.
Speaking at the reception ceremony, Saudi Arabia’s Consul General in Kano, Khalil Ahmed Al-Admawi, described the operation as a demonstration of his country’s enduring commitment to humanitarian service.
He explained that the surgery formed part of the Saudi Siamese Twins Separation Programme, a globally recognised initiative that has provided medical assistance to conjoined twins for more than three decades.
Al-Admawi said that the separation marks the 65th successful operation under the programme, which has offered care to 150 sets of conjoined twins from 25 countries in the past 35 years.
“Through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, Saudi Arabia will continue to extend medical support and goodwill to countries in need, including Nigeria,” Al-Admawi said.
Governor Yusuf expressed profound gratitude to the Saudi authorities for funding and facilitating the operation, acknowledging the historic ties between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. He also pledged that the Kano State government would fully sponsor the girls’ welfare and education up to university level.
“We are grateful to the government of Saudi Arabia and the dedicated team of doctors who made this miracle possible. As a government, we will ensure Hassana and Hussaina receive the best care and support for their growth, education, and wellbeing,” Yusuf stated.
The parents of the twins, Mr and Mrs Hassan Isa, expressed their appreciation to both governments.
“We are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude,” the mother said through tears. “This intervention has given our daughters a future we once thought impossible.”
