By Adeboye Philip
The Nigerianx government, in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has facilitated the safe return of 29 out of 120 Nigerians stranded in Sudan.
This is coming few hours after Allnaijadiaspora news had reported the evacuation of 122 stranded Nigerians in Libya.
However, Tijani Ahmed, the federal commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), made this announcement while welcoming the returnees on Thursday in Abuja.
Mr. Ahmed explained that the voluntary return of the 29 Nigerian emigrants—comprising 18 females (including five minors), five adult males, and two additional minors—was necessitated by the ongoing crisis in Sudan.
He also mentioned that approximately nine more voluntary returnees are expected to be airlifted from Sudan within the next week.
“The National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, in collaboration with the IOM, are doing everything possible to ensure that these 120 were returned to the country,” he said.
Mr Ahmed said the commission was also making arrangements to ensure the safe return of about 17 Nigerians in Algeria, eight in Tunisia, and some in other countries in the next few weeks.
He added that the commission with IOM had facilitated the return of about 1,950 Nigerians between January and May.
“Also in 2003, the commission and partners returned over 7,000 Nigerians from various countries to the country,” Ahmed added.
He appreciated IOM and other partners for their financial and moral support in ensuring that Nigerians who live far away in many countries were returned safely and in dignity.
The returnees were profiled and given some kits, including refreshments.
