140 Nigerians who had been stranded in Sudan for months have returned home with the support of the International Organisation for Migration as part of its Voluntary Humanitarian Return.
IOM disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
It said the chartered flight – the first since the onset of the crisis in Sudan– landed at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on February 27, where Nigerian Government officials welcomed the returnees.
Among them were 64 women, 36 children, and four infants under 12 months old, as well as migrants with 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,” IOM stated.
“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,” said Bashir, one of the returnees. “We are grateful to be back home”, he added.
The international organization noted that since the outbreak of war in Sudan in 2023, more than 12 million people have been forced to flee their homes to resettle in other parts of the country or seek refuge in neighbouring countries.
“A considerable number of them were migrants, including third-country nationals who were circular workers, students and professionals who had made Sudan their home.
“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,” it added.
“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”, said Mohamed Refaat, IOM Sudan Chief of Mission.
It highlighted that the IOM’s Voluntary Humanitarian Return programme serves as a lifeline for stranded migrants, providing a safe pathway for those facing dire conditions who wish to return to their countries but lack the means.
The VHR charter flight was closely coordinated by authorities in Sudan and Nigeria, including the Nigerian Embassy in Sudan, the Sudanese Ministry of Interior, but also the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria, Nigeria Immigration Services, and many other local actors in Kano.
“We are happy to see the positive results of partnerships and cooperation in saving lives”, said Ms. Paola Pace, Chief of Mission a.i. for IOM Nigeria. “IOM remains committed and will continue to work tirelessly to extend support to all migrants and ensure no one is left behind”, she added.
It also said the VHR charter was made possible with the support of the European Union through the Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa.
