A Nigerian man has been arrested for allegedly assaulting and injuring another compatriot in Ubari, Southern Libya, according to Migrant Rescue Watch.
Reported by Naija News, the accused Nigerian is said to have burnt the victim and was later taken into custody by Ubari Security Directorate, where he confessed.
In response to a hospital report, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested the Nigerian migrant in Ubari for assaulting and battering another Nigerian national.
The victim, who suffered severe injuries including burns, was admitted to the hospital after the assault, according to the statement.
The suspect was then conveyed to Ubari Security Directorate, where he reportedly confessed to his involvement in the incident.
Last month, the Libyan Ministry of Interior’s Anti-Illegal Immigration Agency announced the repatriation of 323 Nigerian migrants who entered the country illegally.
The repatriation process was carried out in cooperation with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
“On Tuesday, we carried out the repatriation of 163 Nigerian migrants from Maitiga International Airport, including 107 women, 51 men, and five children,” said Colonel Mohamed Bredi’a, the Anti-Illegal Immigration Agency’s official.
“On the same day, an additional 160 Nigerians have been repatriated from Benghazi’s Benina International Airport in the East of the country,” he added.
Libya is located about 300 kilometers from the Italian coast and divided between competing authorities in the East and West. The country has become a focal point for tens of thousands of migrants seeking to reach Europe via the sea.
Many migrants attempt the perilous journey to Europe from Libyan territory, risking their lives. Meanwhile, thousands have been living in Libya for years in irregular situations, working in agriculture, construction, and trade, particularly around the capital.
IOM reports that data collected by the United Nations between May and June 2023 indicates the presence of over 700,000 migrants on Libyan soil.