Conjoined Twins Hassana and Husaina Return Home After Successful Separation Surgery in Saudi Arabia

Conjoined twins Hassana and Husaina have returned to Nigeria following a complex and life-changing separation surgery carried out in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The twins, who were previously fused at the lower abdomen, pelvis, and spine, landed quietly at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on Thursday. Their arrival was met with a warm reception attended by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, members of his administration, and representatives of the Saudi Arabian government.

Governor Yusuf described the twins’ return as both a medical and humanitarian triumph. “This is not just a medical success, but a humanitarian one,” he stated. “We express our deep gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its generous intervention. Kano State will take full responsibility for the girls’ education, welfare, and future development.”

The intricate separation surgery was conducted at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh’s King Abdulaziz Medical City, following directives from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Hassana and Husaina were flown to Riyadh in October 2023, where they underwent extensive pre-surgical evaluations. Medical experts determined that the twins shared several critical anatomical structures, making their separation particularly high-risk and complex.

A multidisciplinary team of 38 specialists—including pediatric, neurosurgical, orthopedic, anesthetic, urologic, and plastic surgery professionals—executed the procedure in nine meticulously planned stages over approximately 14 hours.

“This was one of the most technically demanding cases our team has ever faced,” said Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, who led the surgical team. “But the success of this operation brings renewed hope to families worldwide dealing with similar conditions.”

The surgery was carried out under the auspices of the Saudi Siamese Twins Separation Programme, a globally respected humanitarian initiative that has performed 65 successful separations of 150 conjoined twins from 25 countries over the past 35 years.

Speaking on behalf of the Saudi government at the reception, the Consul General in Kano, Khalil Ahmed Al-Admawi, praised the outcome of the surgery. “This operation reflects Saudi Arabia’s dedication to global humanitarian medical efforts. Our collaboration with Nigeria remains strong, and we look forward to continued support through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre,” he said.

Following their arrival, the twins and their parents were transported to a medical facility for ongoing observation and post-operative care. While the reception was modest in scale, the emotional impact of the moment was profound.

With their successful separation behind them, Hassana and Husaina now begin a new chapter—one filled with freedom, mobility, and the promise of a brighter future supported by the Kano State Government.