A total of 376 of Nigerians stranded in Sudan over the conflict in that country and evacuated back home by the Federal Government arrived Abuja this night at about 11:30pm. (3rd May 2023)
The returnees were airlifted from Aswan, Egypt after being transported by road from Sudan and crossing the border into Egypt.
The Nigerian Airforce Hercules C-130 and Airpeace airline airlifted the stranded Nigerians in the first batch of the special operation in line with the mandates of NEMA to evacuate Nigerians in distress abroad back home.
The returnees were received by the Hon Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq in company of the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Dr Nasir Sani Gwarzo and Director General NEMA Mustapha Habib Ahmed. Also present were the Chairman/CEO NIDCOM Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, HFC NCFRMI and other senior senior Government Officials. The Ambassador of Sudan to Nigeria was also at the airport to witness arrival of the inaugural flights.
Addressing the evacuated citizens, the Minister, Sadiya Umar Farouq said the Federal Government was concerned about their plights with President Muhammadu Buhari approving for their immediate evacuation back home.
The evacuees, after being profiled were given a token each to support their movement home. Dignity kits were also provided for those in need. Dangote Foundation also provided when with additional supports in the form of cash.
4th May 2023.
