According to the Head of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Mr. Abdur-Rahman Balogun, around 1,700 Nigerians who are currently in Sudan will be evacuated from the country within a few hours. He shared that this update was part of the key points discussed during a multi-agency briefing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport on Friday.

During the multi-agency briefing, Balogun mentioned that the upcoming group of returnees is anticipated to arrive by flight within 12 hours or less, provided there are no unforeseen circumstances. He further added that any challenges that previously caused delays in other flights had been diplomatically resolved and cleared.

Balogun mentioned during the briefing that the previous flight, which had 128 females and two males onboard, arrived on Tarco Airline flight B7B3/300.

Balogun shared that the first batch of evacuees comprised of 102 individuals and was transported by C130 NAF, while the second batch included 274 individuals who were evacuated by Air Peace. Currently, Max Air, with a capacity of 540 passengers, Azman Air, with 400 passengers, and C130 are available to evacuate others, and Tarco has committed to making two additional trips. Air Peace is also on standby for any further evacuations.

According to Balogun, all returnees will be profiled and provided with post-trauma treatment and counseling. Additionally, the returnees will work with the Federal Ministry of Education to continue their studies in Nigeria.

Furthermore, NiDCOM ensured that all returnees received MTN SIM cards with N25,000 worth of airtime. The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs provided them with food, while the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) offered transportation, accommodation, and other logistical support. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided diplomatic cover for the operation, and the Refugees Commission pledged to provide social support for all the returnees.

Additionally, Balogun reported that a Nigerian woman gave birth in Port Sudan, and both the mother and baby are in good health and will be repatriated soon. Furthermore, a Nigerian who suffered a hand injury has been treated and discharged from the hospital.