The Libyan National Army (LNA) announced on Wednesday the arrival of three Libyan hunters, who were held captive in Niger, aboard a private plane affiliated with the LNA’s General Command.
According to the LNA, their arrival follows the directives of the Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, regarding the monitoring of the conditions of all citizens, and ensuring their security and safety both within and outside the country.
The statement added that, the “liberation of the hunters was carried out through direct intervention by the commander of ground forces operations, Major General Saddam Khalifa Haftar, in coordination with the authorities in Niger, aiming to release them and return them safely to their families.”
Earlier this week, Local sources reported that Nigerien authorities have received the abducted Libyans, and preparing for their repatriation to Libya.
Three youths from Tarhuna, who were on a hunting trip near the Libyan-Nigerien border, were chased and fired upon by armed militias from Niger.
Nigerien militias posted a video online featuring the kidnapped individuals. Sources told “Alsaaa24” that Issa Abdel-Majeed, the State Minister for African Affairs in the Parliament-designated government was in contact with Nigerien authorities. The authorities have taken custody of the hunters, transferring them to the capital, Niamey, in preparation for their return to Libya.
Last month, the Prime Minister of the Libyan Parliament-designated government, Osama Hammad discussed migration and border security issues with Niger’s Foreign Minister, Bakary Sangare, and the Special Envoy to the President of Niger.
The discussions primarily focused on shared concerns, and challenges between the two countries, with a particular emphasis on addressing migration-related issues and enhancing security along their common borders.
The meeting took place in Benghazi, eastern Libya, and was attended by Abdel-Majeed.
Earlier, Abdel-Majeed held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Niger, Ali Lamine Zeine, and FM Bakary Sangare, along with other officials from the Nigerien government.
During the meeting, which was held in the city of Dirk in Niger, near the Libyan border, they discussed illegal migration and bilateral cooperation.
Sangare pledged to reconsider the decision of his government to open borders for migration with Libya. Additionally, discussions included the possibility of opening a consulate in the city of Sebha.
It’s noteworthy that the leader of the Military Council in Niger, Abdel-Rahman Tian, had annulled legislation criminalising migrant smuggling in November. This was in response to European sanctions against Niamey.
Libya has emerged as a significant source of illegal migration to Italy, rivalling the traditionally high numbers from Tunisia.
This increase is largely attributed to the breakdown of security infrastructure in Libya’s western regions, exacerbated by the dominance of militias.
These developments have led to Libya becoming a hub for human trafficking, and illegal immigration activities.