Over 3,100 Nigerians Evacuated from Sudan Amid War

As the civil war in Sudan enters its third year, at least 3,108 Nigerians have been evacuated, according to data from the Nigerian Diaspora Commission and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The Nigerian government executed this emergency repatriation operation, which began in early April 2023, involving 15 special flights that transported 2,518 Nigerians.

The final batch of evacuees arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on May 13, 2023. Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama disclosed that the government spent at least $1.2 million on the evacuation, which included the procurement of 40 buses for overland transport across the Egyptian border, with exit charges imposed by Egyptian authorities.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, confirmed that there were no casualties during the evacuation. However, 160 women and children were temporarily held back for verification.

Despite the successful evacuation, conditions in Sudan remain fragile, with many returnees facing challenges such as destroyed homes and limited access to essential services.