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The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, says it has brought back 2, 518 Nigerians back from warring Sudan.
NEMA, made this known on Sunday as part of briefings on efforts to bring back Nigerians caught in the battle for power in Sudan.
Director General, NEMA, Mustapha Habib Ahmed, during a press conference on Sunday in Abuja, said the evacuation exercise is done through a total number of 15 flights, with four from Aswan, Egypt and 11 from Port Sudan.
In addition, 23 of the evacuees were sick on arrival and that they were receiving treatment at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada and the 108 Nigerian Air Force Hospital, Abuja.
“You are aware that the crisis in Sudan began on the 15th of April 2023 as a result of rivalry faction of the military government in Sudan.
“On receiving directive from the President, NEMA swung in to action by identifying the safest route to evacuate the citizens to safety and dignity.
“With a total of 15 flights, a total of 2,518 were brought back home all safely. No life was lost. A total of 23 sick evacuees were received. Out of the number 10 were treated on arrival within the airport.
“While 13 were taken 108 Nigerian Air Force hospital Abuja. Among them is an 8-day old baby who was delivered while the mother was awaiting airlift from Port Sudan.
“The baby is currently being treated for jaundice at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada,” he said.
Speaking on the 160 women and children waiting to be evacuated from Port Sudan, Ahmed said, He instructed the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Sudan, Safiu Olaniyan to profile them and when that is done the agency will definitely make arrangements to convey them back to the country.
“We have evacuated all students. The Ambassador in Sudan has called and said that there are 160 women and children with no passports still in Sudan. I said he must profile, access and verify who they are.
“If it is confirmed that those 160 women and children are truly Nigerians then we can evacuate them. This will be the closure for the evacuation exercise.”
Also on the cost of evacuating Nigerians, the Director General said, a sum of $9 was paid for each Nigerian to leave Sudan and consequently, $25 for entrance into Egypt.
Similarly a statement jointly signed by Amb. Janet Olisa of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development,
revealed that a mop up exercise would be organised for other Nigerians who may want to return home hereafter.
“The Federal Government seizes this opportunity to commend and appreciate the efforts of all the personnel deployed towards the successful evacuation exercise.
“Special appreciation goes to the crew of the NAF C130, Officers and Airmen of 063 NAF Hospital, Personnel of the Nigerian Police Force & Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp Disaster Response Units, MOH Port Health Officers and Federal Airports Authority.
“Also, to be appreciated are Air Peace, Azman Airline, Max Air, Sudanese Tarco Aviation, Dangote Group of Companies, MTN, and the Media among other partners and stakeholders.
“The Federal Government is happy to announce that no Nigerian life was lost in the course of the evacuation exercise,” the statement added.
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