148 Nigerian Migrants Repatriated from Libya to Lagos

A total of 148 Nigerian migrants, including 124 women and 8 children, have been repatriated from Libya with the assistance of the Libyan Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and the Nigerian consulate. The returnees arrived in Lagos aboard a Boeing chartered flight as part of a Voluntary Humanitarian Return program, aimed at aiding stranded migrants who often endure harsh conditions in Libya. Upon their arrival at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, they received support from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other stakeholders, including the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Nigerian Police Force. This repatriation reflects ongoing efforts to address the plight of Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad, many of whom face exploitation and abuse. The returnees will undergo mandatory profiling before participating in reintegration programs led by IOM. Reports of human rights violations against migrants in Libya, including trafficking and violence, continue to highlight the risks associated with such journeys.