The Libyan Department for Combating Illegal Migration recently deported a group of migrants, including seven Nigerians, three Bangladeshis, and three Ghanaians, for violations of Libyan law.
The agency confirmed on social media platform X that the individuals had been held at the Qanfoudah Immigration Detention Centre before being flown out via Benina International Airport in Benghazi.
This deportation incident follows recent tensions between Nigeria and Libya, stemming from an incident involving the countries’ football teams during the qualifiers for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). Disputes arose after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) claimed that Nigerian players were stranded at a Libyan airport.
In response, the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) alleged similar treatment for their own players in Nigeria.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) reviewed the matter, concluding that Libya had breached AFCON regulations and CAF’s disciplinary code.
Subsequently, CAF penalised Libya by awarding Nigeria a 3-0 victory, even though the match was not played after Nigeria’s decision to withdraw.
Following CAF’s ruling, rumours began to circulate about mass arrests of Nigerians in Libya, with some suggesting these were reprisals.
However, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs quickly refuted these claims, dismissing any large-scale targeting of Nigerian nationals by Libyan authorities.
