140 Nigerians repatriated from Sudan by IOM

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has successfully repatriated 140 Nigerians who had been stranded in Sudan for months.

The evacuation, conducted through the Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) programme, included 64 women, 36 children, and four infants under a year old, along with individuals facing health challenges.

A chartered flight, the first since the conflict in Sudan erupted, arrived at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on February 27, bringing the returnees back home.

Upon arrival, they were received by Nigerian government officials and provided with various forms of post-arrival assistance, including counselling, medical care, mental health support, and transportation to their final destinations.

IOM has also committed to offering additional reintegration support tailored to the returnees’ specific needs.

One of the returnees, Bashir, described his ordeal: “After the war started, we were left without shelter or food. Things kept getting worse, and the most difficult part was losing all hope as the conflict dragged on. We are grateful to be back home.”

The ongoing crisis in Sudan, which began in 2023, has led to the displacement of over 12 million people, including migrants who lost their homes, documents, and personal belongings.

Mohamed Refaat, IOM Sudan’s Chief of Mission, highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation: “Migrants who were either transiting through or residing in Sudan when the conflict broke out found themselves stranded. For many, Voluntary Humanitarian Return remains the safest option to get back home.”