A total of 140 Nigerians who had been stranded in Sudan for several months have finally returned to their homeland with the help of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This return is part of IOM’s Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) initiative, designed to assist migrants caught in crisis zones.
IOM announced the return on Friday, revealing that the chartered flight – the first since the Sudan conflict began in 2023 – touched down at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on February 27. Nigerian government officials were on hand to greet the returnees.
Among those onboard were 64 women, 36 children, and 4 infants under the age of one, many of whom were facing health challenges. The returnees received a variety of post-arrival support, including medical care, mental health assistance, and transportation to their final destinations. IOM emphasized its ongoing commitment to reintegrate the migrants through tailored support based on their individual needs.
One of the returnees, Bashir, shared his harrowing experience, saying, “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 conflict broke out in Sudan in 2023, more than 12 million people have been forced to flee their homes, many seeking refuge within Sudan or in neighboring countries. This includes a significant number of migrants, such as students, professionals, and workers, who had made Sudan their home.
IOM has been working closely with embassies, consulates, and local authorities to provide protection and services to migrants stranded by the conflict. The organization emphasized that many migrants lost everything—homes, belongings, and critical documents—as the humanitarian situation in Sudan worsened. For many, the Voluntary Humanitarian Return program is the safest and most viable option for returning home.
Mohamed Refaat, IOM’s Sudan Chief of Mission, noted, “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. For many, Voluntary Humanitarian Return remains the best option for a safe journey home.”
The IOM’s VHR program serves as a critical lifeline, providing a safe pathway for migrants who wish to return to their countries but lack the necessary resources to do so.
The charter flight was coordinated with the support of Sudanese and Nigerian authorities, including the Nigerian Embassy in Sudan, the Sudanese Ministry of Interior, the Nigerian National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, Nigeria Immigration Services, and local actors in Kano.
“IOM remains committed and will continue to work tirelessly to extend support to all migrants and ensure no one is left behind,” said Paola Pace, IOM Nigeria’s Chief of Mission a.i. The VHR operation was made possible through the European Union’s Migrant Protection, Return, and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa.
This successful return is a testament to the power of international cooperation in addressing the challenges faced by migrants and ensuring their safe return home.
