Speaking on Thursday after a batch of Nigerians returned from the country, Mr Yusuf urged them to resume their studies and reopen their businesses after the fighting between the army and the paramilitary forces ends.

He asked them to consider Sudan as their second country, expressing optimism that the fighting would be controlled soon.

“I’m very sorry for what is happening there but at the same time I’m very happy to have these evacuees coming from Sudan safe, no life is lost," he was quoted by the Cable newspaper as saying.

Another batch of Nigerians from Sudan is expected to arrive on Friday.