Nigerian evacuees from crisis-ridden Sudan were flown out of Egypt’s Aswan airport.
Originally slated to leave by 1 pm Nigerian time, the NAF C130 jet of the Nigerian Air Force and an Air Peace aircraft with a capacity of 274 people did not.
The Egyptian government had mandated that every evacuee leave their country immediately.
According to sources, the refugees were permitted entry into the Egyptian airport between last night and early Wednesday morning.
In order to satisfy the need, some 25 more passengers were even added to the NAF C130, which typically has 80, but there were still those still looking for a room, leading to the original postponement of the trip.
“The pilot of NAF had agreed to take them, but only if they would go without their stuff. Nigerian officials consulted parents and other family members who decided that seeing their children is the priority. However, only a few others insisted they had to leave with their credentials in their luggage.
Ultimately, more people without their bags were loaded into the NAF aircraft.
Later, the evacuees’ return to their homes was confirmed by Air Force spokesman Ayodele Famuyiwa.
“I’m happy to let you know that the NAF C-130H plane that flew to rescue Nigerians stuck in Sudan has left Aswan and will arrive in Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport by 23:40 local time (11:40 pm) tonight.
“Anyone interested may want to attend the event coverage at the airport. He expressed his gratitude in a statement.
Later, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) chair, tweeted the returnees’ video.
