The first evacuation flight is currently on its way to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja.
An aircraft in the fleet of the Nigerian Air Force, NAF C-130H, has commenced the evacuation of Nigerians who were stranded in Sudan following the deadly conflict in the northeast African country.
The first evacuation flight is currently on its way to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja.
The estimated time of arrival for the evacuation flight is 23:40hrs (11.23) Nigerian Time, a text sent by NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, AK Famuyiwa to journalists read.
“Dear gentlemen of the press, good afternoon. I am pleased to inform you that the NAF C-130H aircraft that went to evacuate Nigerians stranded in Sudan has departed Aswan and is expected to touch down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja by 2340hrs (11.23pm) tonight,” Famuyiwa said.
“Anyone interested may wish to be at the airport to cover the event. Grateful.”
The NAF aircraft left for Aswan Airport in Egypt on April 29 to airlift the stranded Nigerians.
Confirming the news, the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa also tweeted on Wednesday evening, “Finally, homeward bound as the NAF C-130H aircraft has departed Aswan and is expected to touch down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja by 2340hrs (11.23pm) tonight.#Sudan. We pray for journey mercies.”
SaharaReporters had reported how Nigerians evacuated from the warring country had been stranded at the Egyptian border following visa issues.
In a turn of events on Monday, Dabiri-Erewa said the border was opened after President Muhammadu Buhari spoke with Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the Egyptian president.
Air Peace, a private airline is also in Egypt for the evacuation of other Nigerians.
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