…To arrive Abuja, Nigeria by Friday
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said it has started the evacuation of the first batch of 1600 stranded Nigerians.
NEMA on its Twitter handle said: “The first batch of about 1600 stranded Nigerians that are being evacuated from Sudan by the Federal Government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is expected to arrive Abuja tomorrow, Friday 28th April 2023.
“A convoy of 13 buses conveying the first batch of the evacuees from Khartoum in Sudan is moving to the holding area in Aswan, Egypt where they will be airlifted to Nigeria. NEMA is in touch with the Nigerian airline, Air Peace, which volunteers the airlift and prepositioned aircraft for immediate departure as soon as the Nigerians arrive in Aswan to bring them home.
“It is pertinent to note that due to the volatile security in Sudan, there are lots of challenges to overcome in Sudan. Yet NEMA is on top of the situation with the support of the Nigerians.
“Embassy in Sudan. Situation reports will be constantly compiled and shared with partners to ensure a hitch-free operation. Bus companies are engaged in Egypt to transport the evacuees to Aswan accompanied by staff of the Nigerian Embassy in Sudan.
“NEMA is appealing to all Nigerian citizens to be calm and cooperate with officials that are helping to move our brothers and sisters to safety and eventually airlift them back home.
“NEMA is very grateful to His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR for approving the evacuation and the invaluable collaboration by all stakeholders, especially the Nigerian Missions in Sudan and Egypt towards the success of the mission.”