A total of 140 Nigerians who had been stranded in Sudan for months have been safely brought home through the International Organisation for Migration’s (IOM) Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) programme.
The group included 64 women, 36 children, four infants, and individuals with health conditions.
The repatriation flight, the first since the Sudan crisis began, landed at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on February 27, where government officials welcomed the returnees. Upon arrival, they received medical care, counselling, and support for mental health, along with assistance to reach their final destinations. IOM also pledged further reintegration support tailored to their needs.
One of the returnees, Bashir, described the hardships faced in Sudan: “After the war, we found ourselves out in the open with no accommodation and no food. Things kept getting tougher, and the problem was that there was no hope because the war kept going on. We are grateful to be back home.”
Since the conflict erupted in 2023, more than 12 million people have been displaced, leaving many migrants without homes or essential documents. Mohamed Refaat, IOM Sudan’s Chief of Mission, stressed that many migrants have been stranded as conditions worsen, making VHR the best option for a safe return.
The operation was a coordinated effort between Nigerian and Sudanese authorities, including the Nigerian Embassy in Sudan, the Sudanese Ministry of Interior, and Nigeria’s National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons.
Ms. Paola Pace, Chief of Mission a.i. for IOM Nigeria, highlighted the significance of cooperation in humanitarian efforts: “We are happy to see the positive results of partnerships and cooperation in saving lives. IOM remains committed and will continue to work tirelessly to extend support to all migrants and ensure no one is left behind.”
This initiative was made possible through support from the European Union’s Migrant Protection, Return, and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa.