Libyan officials have arrested four Nigerian nationals on charges of drug trafficking and health violations. The detentions were confirmed in two separate incidents in Sabha and Bani Walid, as reported by advocacy group Migrant Rescue Watch.
In Sabha, located in southern Libya, two Nigerians were apprehended during a raid conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Authorities discovered 1,200 hallucinogenic tablets and other illicit drugs at the suspects’ residence. The individuals were handed over to the Sabha Security Directorate for further investigation.
Migrant Rescue Watch stated: “CID in Sabha carried out a raid on a reported location and arrested two Nigerian drug traffickers. During a search of the premises, police found 1,200 hallucinogenic pills and other illicit drugs. Both individuals were transferred to the Sabha Security Directorate.”
In a separate case in Bani Walid, a known transit hub for migrants heading to Europe, a Nigerian man and woman were arrested after testing positive for contagious diseases during routine health examinations.
The Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM) in Bani Walid transferred the two suspects to Tripoli for further processing before their repatriation to Nigeria. Migrant Rescue Watch confirmed: “DCIM Bureau in Bani Walid transferred two Nigerian migrants (female and male) who tested positive for infectious diseases to Tripoli for repatriation.”
These incidents highlight Libya’s ongoing challenges with illegal migration and drug trafficking as the country continues to grapple with security and health concerns.