Ajirioghene Imah
The National Emergency Management Agency has said that the first batch of about 1600 stranded Nigerians that are being evacuated from Sudan by the Federal Government are expected to arrive Abuja today.
The Agency made this known via its official Twitter handle.
According to the agency, 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.
The statement reads, “NEMA is in touch with the Nigerian airline, Air Peace, that volunteer the airlift and prepositioned aircraft for immediate departure as soon as the Nigerians arrive 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 Nigerian 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.” It wrote.
The agency also expressed gratitude to His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR for approving the evacuation of the stranded Nigerians as well as the invaluable collaboration by all stakeholders, especially the Nigerian Missions in Sudan and Egypt towards the success of the mission.
It further appealed to all Nigerian citizens to be calm and cooperate with officials that are helping to move them safety and eventually airlift them back home.
