Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) announced the repatriation of 167 Nigerians from Libya on Wednesday.
The group included 77 men, 69 women, 10 children, and 11 infants.
The returnees arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. NEMA reported that the operation was conducted under the humanitarian voluntary return initiative, in cooperation with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
The Lagos Territorial Office of NEMA, alongside other stakeholders, coordinated the reception of the returnees at the airport’s cargo terminal.
The repatriation is part of ongoing efforts by NEMA and IOM to assist vulnerable Nigerians stranded in Libya. Many of these individuals had been facing dire conditions, with limited access to basic needs and a high risk of exploitation. The Nigerian government has been working closely with international partners to facilitate the safe return of its citizens.
NEMA has been involved in numerous repatriation missions over the years, aiming to provide stranded Nigerians with a safe passage home. Upon arrival, the returnees were offered medical assistance and support services to help them reintegrate into society.
NEMA officials reiterated their commitment to the welfare of Nigerians abroad, particularly those caught in precarious situations.
The agency urged Nigerians to avoid irregular migration routes and instead seek legal avenues for travel. It highlighted the risks associated with illegal migration, including human trafficking, abuse, and exploitation.
NEMA also called on families and communities to support the returnees as they reintegrate into their daily lives. The agency pledged to continue working with international partners to ensure the safety and well-being of Nigerians abroad.
