THE International Organization for Migration has facilitated the safe return of 151 Nigerian nationals from Sudan through a charter flight as part of its Voluntary Humanitarian Return programme.
The IOM disclosed this in a press statement made available to News Point Nigeria on Thursday.
The organization said the operation marks the third of such flights this year as Sudan grapples with a protracted conflict that has left nearly 10 million people displaced.
IOM data showed that as of August 26, 2025, an estimated total of 9,819,680 Internally Displaced Persons were recorded across 10,847 locations in 185 localities across all 18 states in Sudan. An estimated 7,461,520 individuals were displaced internally within Sudan since April 15, 2023; approximately 4,306,398 individuals crossed borders into neighbouring countries since April 15, 2023.
It also revealed that the top states of origin were Khartoum (31 per cent), South Darfur (21 per cent), and North Darfur (20 per cent). The highest proportion of IDPs was hosted in South Darfur (19 per cent), North Darfur (18 per cent), and Central Darfur (10 per cent) states; and over half (53 per cent) of IDPs were reportedly children under the age of 18 years old.
Since the onset of the crisis in Sudan in 2023, IOM has facilitated the evacuation of thousands of third-country nationals who were caught in the conflict.
According to IOM, the returnees, who had been stranded in Sudan for months amid escalating conflict, faced severe challenges, including limited access to essential services and constant threats to their safety.
Among those who returned are university students whose education was disrupted and elderly individuals who lost their livelihoods due to the ongoing crisis.
“Today signals a new beginning and the first step towards recovery for these migrants”, said the IOM Nigeria’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Paola Pace. “It is our collective responsibility to ensure they receive the support they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope,” she added.
The statement added that the return operation was coordinated with the Sudanese Passport and Immigration Authorities, who provided essential logistical support for the safe and orderly departure.
“The Nigerian Embassy in Sudan played a crucial role in identifying stranded nationals, providing critical assistance, and facilitating travel documentation.
“In Nigeria, the returnees will receive comprehensive support, including medical screening, mental health and psychosocial support, vulnerability assessments and counselling, referral to specialized services, fresh meals, and safe accommodation. IOM, in collaboration with partners, will also provide business skills training to support income-generating activities as part of reintegration assistance.
“This rapid succession of voluntary migrant return operations reflects the urgency of the response to the crisis in Sudan, which has become the world’s largest displacement emergency.
IOM’s VHR programme ensures that all returns are voluntary and conducted safely, reinforcing the Organization’s commitment to protecting and assisting migrants in crisis situations,” it stated.