Over 956 Nigerians have been evacuated from Libya in the first quarter of 2025, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has announced.
The evacuation was carried out through the collaborative efforts of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMI).
According to NiDCOM’s Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the returnees included 683 females, 132 males, 87 children, and 54 infants. They were brought back to Nigeria in six batches between January and March 2025.
Breakdowns of the repatriation show that 152 Nigerians returned on January 28, followed by 145, 180, and 159 on February 11, 19, and 25, respectively. In March, 144 and 176 returnees arrived on the 4th and 18th, respectively, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NiDCOM.
Dabiri-Erewa reiterated the Commission’s warning against the use of dangerous migration routes, especially through Libya, a country still plagued by instability and conflict.
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“Because of the delicate political situation in Libya, we repeatedly caution Nigerians to avoid Libya as a pathway to Europe—not just Libya, but other irregular routes as well,” she stated.
She urged Nigerians to seek legal and regular means of migration, highlighting concerns that some of those previously rescued from Libya have attempted to return or sought alternative, more hazardous routes to enter Europe.
Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of Nigerians at home and abroad, regardless of their socio-economic or cultural backgrounds.
She also called for greater collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, the media, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the risks associated with irregular migration.
The NiDCOM chief emphasized that the government remains steadfast in its efforts to discourage illegal migration and ensure the safe return of stranded Nigerians worldwide.
