A chartered flight carrying 140 Nigerians who had been stranded in Sudan for months landed at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on February 27. The returnees, including 64 women, 36 children, and 4 infants under 12 months old, received a warm welcome from Nigerian Government officials.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) facilitated their return through its Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) program. Bashir, one of the returnees, shared his ordeal, saying, “After the war, we found ourselves out in the open with no accommodation and no food. 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. Many migrants, including third-country nationals, have been stranded in Sudan, losing everything. IOM’s VHR program provides a safe pathway for those facing dire conditions to return home.
Mohamed Refaat, IOM Sudan Chief of Mission, emphasized, “Migrants who have transited through or are living in Sudan since the conflict began have found themselves stranded. Many have lost everything. For many, Voluntary Humanitarian Return remains the best option for a safe journey home.”
The VHR charter flight was coordinated by authorities in Sudan and Nigeria, including the Nigerian Embassy in Sudan and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) in Nigeria.
Ms. Paola Pace, Chief of Mission a.i. for IOM Nigeria, expressed her satisfaction with the successful return, saying, “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.”
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the returnees received post-arrival assistance, including counseling, medical attention, and support for onward transportation to their final destinations. IOM and its partners will also ensure their reintegration through additional support based on individual needs.
