The federal government, in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has facilitated the safe return of 29 out of 120 Nigerians stranded in Sudan.

The federal commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Tijani Ahmed, stated this while receiving the returnees on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Ahmed explained that the voluntary return of the 29 Nigerian emigrants –18 females, including five minors, five adult males, and two minors—became necessary due to the crisis in Sudan.

He also said that about nine voluntary returnees would be airlifted from Sudan in the next one week.

“The National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, in collaboration with the IOM, are doing everything possible to ensure that these 120 were returned to the country,” he said.

Mr Ahmed said the commission was also making arrangements to ensure the safe return of about 17 Nigerians in Algeria, eight in Tunisia, and some in other countries in the next few weeks.

He added that the commission with IOM had facilitated the return of about 1,950 Nigerians between January and May.

“Also in 2003, the commission and partners returned over 7,000 Nigerians from various countries to the country,” Ahmed added.

He appreciated IOM and other partners for their financial and moral support in ensuring that Nigerians who live far away in many countries were returned safely and in dignity.

The returnees were profiled and given some kits, including refreshments.

(NAN)