Authorities in eastern Libya have deported 181 Nigerian migrants as part of a voluntary return operation coordinated with international partners, according to officials from the Department for Combating Illegal Migration.
The deportation was carried out by the Benghazi branch of the agency in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration. The migrants departed from Benina International Airport on 10 March 2026, returning to their home country of Nigeria.
Officials said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Libyan authorities to address irregular migration and organise the status of migrants within the country. The repatriation followed the completion of legal and humanitarian procedures aimed at ensuring the migrants’ voluntary return in coordination with international organisations.
The Department for Combating Illegal Migration said all necessary administrative and humanitarian arrangements were completed before the flight departed. Authorities stressed that the process complied with national regulations and international humanitarian standards governing voluntary return programmes.
The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to implementing directives issued by the Libyan Armed Forces General Command and the Ministry of Interior, while maintaining cooperation with international partners working on migration management.
Officials said coordination with international organisations remains essential in addressing the complex migration challenges facing Libya, which continues to be a major transit point for migrants seeking to reach Europe through the Mediterranean route.
The operation was conducted under the directives of Salah Mahmoud Al-Khafifi, head of the Department for Combating Illegal Migration.
Libyan authorities say similar operations are expected to continue as part of broader efforts to regulate migration flows and improve conditions for migrants in detention centres, while facilitating voluntary returns to countries of origin in cooperation with international partners.
Migration remains a major policy challenge in Libya, with authorities and international organisations working together to balance humanitarian considerations with security and legal responsibilities.
