140 stranded Nigerians repatriated from Sudan

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

The operation, facilitated under the Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) programme, included 64 women, 36 children, and four infants under 12 months old, as well as migrants with health conditions.

The chartered flight, marking the first since the crisis in Sudan began, landed at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on February 27.

Upon arrival, the returnees were welcomed by Nigerian government officials and received comprehensive post-arrival assistance.

This included counselling, medical attention, mental health and psychosocial support, and transportation to their final destinations.

IOM has also pledged to provide additional reintegration support tailored to individual needs.

One of the returnees, Bashir, shared his harrowing experience: “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.”

The conflict in Sudan, which erupted in 2023, has displaced over 12 million people, including migrants who lost homes, documents, and belongings.

According to Mohamed Refaat, IOM Sudan’s Chief of Mission, “Migrants who have transited through or are living in Sudan since the conflict began have found themselves stranded as the humanitarian situation deteriorates. For many, Voluntary Humanitarian Return remains the best option for a safe journey home.”