The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has facilitated a voluntary humanitarian return flight from Libya to Nigeria, repatriating 147 stranded Nigerian migrants, including families and vulnerable individuals. The operation, supported by the European Union, reflects IOM’s continued commitment to protecting vulnerable migrants and ensuring their safe reintegration at home with dignity and hope.
According to Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the returnees arrived at the Cargo Terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos aboard an Air Libya Airlines flight (registration 5A-BAE) at around 5:15 pm on 21 October 2025. The repatriation process was coordinated by NEMA’s Lagos Operations Office in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.
The group consisted of 100 adults — 32 men and 68 women — as well as 34 children and 13 infants. Nigerian authorities, including personnel from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), were on site to conduct biometric registration and documentation to facilitate smooth reintegration into society.
The Assisted Voluntary Return initiative, jointly managed by IOM and the EU, has been instrumental in helping stranded migrants return to their home countries safely. Many of the returnees had been living in difficult conditions in Libya, where instability and exploitation remain major concerns for migrants attempting to reach Europe.
IOM Libya reaffirmed its commitment to working with governments and partners to protect migrants’ rights and provide reintegration support in countries of origin. The organisation emphasised that returning migrants deserve opportunities to rebuild their lives with dignity, stability, and hope for a better future.
