One hundred and fifty-nine Nigerians, including women and children, have been repatriated from Libya with the support of the Libyan Department for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM), consular officials, and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
The group departed from the Benina International Airport in Benghazi, Libya, and was flown back to Nigeria as part of ongoing efforts to assist stranded migrants.
Migrant Rescue Watch, an organisation monitoring migration issues, confirmed the development on Wednesday, via its official X handle.
“DCIM in coordination with consular staff and IOM support repatriated 159 #migrants incluing women and children of Nigerian nationality, via Benina International Airport,” the organisation stated.
Many Nigerians travel to Libya with the hopes of crossing into Europe for better opportunities.
However, they often face detention, exploitation, and severe human rights abuses.
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In response, the IOM and the federal government have been working together, through the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme to facilitate their safe return.
Over the years, thousands of Nigerians have been repatriated from Libya under this initiative. Despite these efforts, many remain stranded in the North African country, facing uncertain futures.
The latest repatriation highlights the urgent need for continued international cooperation to protect the rights and welfare of Nigerian migrants.