By Esi-ife Arogundade
140 Nigerians who had been stranded in Sudan due to the ongoing conflict have been repatriated following the intervention of the International Organization for Migration (IOM)’s Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) program.
The IOM, in a statement on Friday, said a chartered flight, marking the first such operation since the crisis began, landed at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on February 27, where returnees were warmly welcomed by Nigerian government officials.
Among those repatriated were 64 women, 36 children, and four infants under the age of one, along with individuals facing health challenges. Following their arrival, each returnee received post-arrival assistance, including counselling, medical care—particularly mental health support—and help for onward transport to their final destinations.
The IOM reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating the reintegration of these individuals based on their unique needs.
One of the returnees, Bashir, shared a poignant account of the hardships faced during the conflict: “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 outbreak of war in Sudan in 2023, over 12 million people have been forced to flee their homes, including a significant number of migrants, such as workers, students, and professionals who had previously made Sudan their residence.
The IOM has collaborated closely with various embassies and consular offices to coordinate protection and support for stranded migrants during this crisis.
According to IOM Sudan Chief of Mission Mohamed Refaat, “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.”
The successful VHR operation was coordinated by authorities in both Sudan and Nigeria, involving the Nigerian Embassy in Sudan, the Sudanese Ministry of Interior, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria, Nigeria Immigration Services, and various local organizations in Kano.
Ms. Paola Pace, Chief of Mission for IOM Nigeria, expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the collaboration: “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,” Pace said.
The VHR charter flight was funded with the support of the European Union as part of its Migrant Protection, Return, and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa.
