Nigeria Embassy in Sudan cautions students against false evacuation notice

The Nigerian Embassy in Khartoum has issued a disclaimer notice to all Nigerian students in Sudan, urging them to disregard a notice circulated by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Sudan.

According to the notice, the NANS notice asked students to converge at three locations for evacuation or to bring $100 or $200 for evacuation.

In a statement released on April 23rd, the Embassy urged students to remain calm and indoors while the Embassy works on final approval to commence evacuation.

The statement also reiterated that it is still dangerous to embark on a journey towards the borders of Sudan without securing clearance and guarantee from Sudanese authorities.

“The Embassy wishes to reassure Nigerian students that their safety and well-being is of priority concern,” the statement reads.

Charge d’affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Khartoum, Haruna Yusuf Garko, emphasized the importance of caution in the current situation, stating:

“We urge Nigerian students to be patient and not to panic. We are working tirelessly to ensure their safety and safe evacuation.”

“We advise students to remain in their accommodation and avoid any movements towards the border areas without clearance from the Sudanese authorities,” he added.

The Embassy’s notice followed recent clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary group, Rapid Support Forces, which have claimed over 400 lives and left thousands injured, as well as millions displaced.

The Nigerian government has been making preparations to evacuate about 5,500 stranded Nigerians out of Sudan through the Egyptian town of Luxor, with arrangements being made in conjunction with the Egyptian government.