The International Organisation for Migration has facilitated the safe return of 140 Nigerians who had been stranded in Sudan for months.
This was achieved through the Voluntary Humanitarian Return programme, which provides support for migrants facing severe conditions and unable to return home independently.
In a statement released on Friday, IOM confirmed that the returnees arrived in Nigeria on February 27 via a chartered flight—the first of its kind since the Sudan crisis began.
The flight landed at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, where government officials warmly received the returnees.
Among those repatriated were 64 women, 36 children, and four infants under 12 months old, along with individuals suffering from health conditions.
“Following their return, each of the migrants received post-arrival assistance including counselling, medical attention – mental health and psychosocial support where necessary, as well as assistance for onward transportation to their final destinations. IOM and partners will also ensure their reintegration through additional support based on individual needs,” the organization stated.
Sharing his experience, one of the returnees, Bashir, recounted the hardships they endured while stranded 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,” he said. “We are grateful to be back home.”
IOM highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, revealing that the war, which began in 2023, has displaced over 12 million people.
Many of these individuals, including students, professionals, and migrant workers, have lost their homes and belongings, leaving them with no option but to seek refuge in neighboring countries or return to their homelands.
“As the war rages, IOM has worked closely with embassies and consular offices from various countries to coordinate protection, assistance and access to services for stranded migrants,” the organization added.
Mohamed Refaat, IOM Sudan’s Chief of Mission, emphasized the urgency of the VHR initiative, noting that many migrants have been left without essential documents, shelter, or possessions.
“Migrants who have transited through or are living in Sudan since the conflict began have found themselves stranded as the humanitarian situation deteriorates in the country. Many have lost everything—documents, homes, and belongings. For many, Voluntary Humanitarian Return remains the best option for a safe journey home,” he explained.
The successful coordination of the return operation involved multiple stakeholders, including the Nigerian Embassy in Sudan, the Sudanese Ministry of Interior, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria, the Nigeria Immigration Services, and several local authorities in Kano.
IOM Nigeria’s Chief of Mission a.i., Ms. Paola Pace, commended the collaborative effort in ensuring the safe return of the migrants.
“We are happy to see the positive results of partnerships and cooperation in saving lives,” she stated. “IOM remains committed and will continue to work tirelessly to extend support to all migrants and ensure no one is left behind.”
The VHR charter flight was made possible with support from the European Union through the Migrant Protection, Return, and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa.
