Nigeria has facilitated the safe and dignified return of former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Koroma to Freetown after more than two years of temporary relocation to Nigeria.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze.

The minister said she accompanied Koroma to Freetown on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, describing his return as the culmination of a regional diplomatic and confidence-building process.

According to the statement, Koroma relocated to Nigeria in January 2024 following engagements by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) aimed at promoting peace, stability and political understanding in Sierra Leone.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the process created conditions for improved understanding between Sierra Leone’s President Julius Bio and Koroma, enabling the former president to remain temporarily in Nigeria.

“His conduct throughout this period reflected restraint, statesmanship, and commitment to a peaceful outcome,” she said.

The minister noted that sustained engagements involving ECOWAS, the Nigerian Government and other stakeholders helped address the issues that led to Koroma’s relocation.

She expressed appreciation to President Bio, Koroma and the people of Sierra Leone for their cooperation and commitment to peace.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also joined the delegation that accompanied Koroma back to Freetown, according to the statement.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional harmony, constitutional order and democratic stability, expressing confidence that Koroma’s return would contribute to national reconciliation and lasting peace in Sierra Leone.