CITIZENS COMPASS– 151 stranded Nigerians have arrived from Sudan.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) which facilitated their safe return disclosed this on Thursday.
IOM said this is part of its Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) programme.
The 151 returnees arrived through a charter flight.
According to IOM, this operation marks the third of such flights this year as Sudan grapples with a protracted conflict that has left nearly 10 million people displaced.
The returnees, who had been stranded in Sudan for months amid escalating conflict, faced severe challenges including limited access to essential services and constant threats to their safety. Among those who returned are university students whose education was disrupted and elderly individuals who lost their livelihoods due to the ongoing crisis.
“Today signals a new beginning and the first step towards recovery for these migrants”, said Paola Pace, IOM Nigeria’s Deputy Chief of Mission. “It is our collective responsibility to ensure they receive the support they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope,” she added.The return operation was coordinated with the Sudanese Passport and Immigration Authorities, who provided essential logistical support for the safe and orderly departure. The Nigerian Embassy in Sudan played a crucial role in identifying stranded nationals, providing critical assistance, and facilitating travel documentation.
In Nigeria, the returnees will receive comprehensive support including medical screening, mental health and psychosocial support, vulnerability assessments and counselling, referral to specialized services, fresh meals and safe accommodation. IOM, in collaboration with partners, will also provide business skills training to support income-generating activities as part of reintegration assistance.
This rapid succession of voluntary migrant return operations reflects the urgency of the response to the crisis in Sudan, which has become the world’s largest displacement emergency. IOM’s VHR programme ensures that all returns are voluntary and conducted safely, reinforcing the Organization’s commitment to protecting and assisting migrants in crisis situations.
Since the onset of the crisis in Sudan in 2023, IOM has facilitated the evacuation of thousands of third-country nationals who were caught in the conflict.
