Sudanese authorities on Thursday carried out the second phase of deportations of irregular migrants to Nigeria.
Deputy Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid Ahmed Mohamed Osman said in a press statement that the government, in coordination with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), had launched the voluntary return process.
This phase involved the repatriation of 146 Nigerians by air from Port Sudan airport, 90% of whom were women and children, while the remainder were university students in Sudan.
Osman explained that before the war, Sudan had hosted millions of migrants and refugees who shared housing, food, and services with Sudanese citizens. However, the conflict and destruction of infrastructure—including water, electricity, and health facilities—by the Rapid Support Forces severely disrupted these services.
IOM Sudan head Mohamed Refaat said most of those repatriated had been stranded in conflict zones in Khartoum. Many had originally arrived to pursue studies before the war cut off their means of support.
