A total of 140 Nigerians stranded in Sudan due to the ongoing conflict have returned home with the support of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) under its Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) program. The returnees arrived at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on February 27, where they were welcomed by Nigerian government officials.
The group included 64 women, 36 children, four infants under 12 months old, and migrants with health conditions. Upon arrival, each returnee received post-arrival assistance, including counseling, medical attention, mental health and psychosocial support, and transportation to their final destinations. The IOM and its partners will also provide reintegration support tailored to individual needs.
“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 IOM noted that since the conflict in Sudan began in 2023, over 12 million people have been displaced, with many forced to flee to other parts of the country or seek refuge in neighboring nations. Among them were migrants, including third-country nationals, who had been living in Sudan as workers, students, or professionals.
“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.
The VHR program provides a lifeline for stranded migrants, offering a safe pathway for those facing dire conditions to return to their home countries. The charter flight was coordinated by authorities in Sudan and Nigeria, including the Nigerian Embassy in Sudan, the Sudanese Ministry of Interior, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria, and the Nigeria Immigration Service.
“We are happy to see the positive results of partnerships and cooperation in saving lives,” said Paola Pace, Acting Chief of Mission 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.
The VHR charter was made possible with funding from the European Union through the Migrant Protection, Return, and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa.
