As a result of the ongoing turmoil in Sudan, the Nigerian government has announced its willingness to evacuate all Nigerian students and other members of the Nigerian community currently there.
This information was released by the government in a joint press statement from Dr. Sani Gwarzo, permanent secretary at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and Amb. Janet Olisa, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“We are currently making plans to evacuate all stranded Nigerian citizens via air transport through the identified safe transit areas back home“ the statement said.
To secure their safe return to Nigeria, the federal government has asked parents to warn their children against choosing risky routes.
“While concerted efforts are being made to evacuate them, the students should endeavour to remain calm and maintain constant communication with officials of the Nigerian Embassy in Sudan for instructions and updates.
“They can reach the embassy Officials on the following telephone numbers: +2348035866773, +249961956284, +2348063636862, +249961956274, and 2349066663493.
“While we expect their calls, we also advised them to guard against undertaking the treacherous journey to the borders on their own, in view of the dangers involved because some of these students are trying to find their way to contiguous borders of Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia or Chad on their own“ the statement added.
While the confrontation between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces continues, the government has voiced worry about the humanitarian crisis it has caused.
The government has also said that the ministries are coordinating closely with other interested parties to facilitate the swift evacuation of Nigerian citizens.
“We are working closely with agencies such as the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, National Emergency Management Agency, and National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons as well as the Nigerian missions in countries bordering Sudan to ensure success of this operation,“ the government added.
