183 NIGERIANS RETURN FROM LIBYA IN IOM- ASSISTED REPATRIATION 17-06-25
By Sadiq Aminu A total of 183 Nigerians stranded in Libya have been successfully repatriated to the country through the assistance of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The returnees, comprising 144 adults, 26 children, and 13 infants, arrived aboard a Buraq Air flight from Tripoli that landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
They were received by officials of the IOM and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), who provided immediate support services.
Speaking during the reception, IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Ms. Sharon Dimanche, said the returnees would receive health checks and psychosocial support before being reintegrated into society. She emphasized the organization’s continued commitment to the safe and dignified return of migrants.
Also addressing the returnees, the South-West Zonal Coordinator of the NCFRMI, Mr. Alex Oturu, advised Nigerians planning to migrate to do so legally to avoid the dangers of irregular migration.
“Migration is a right, but it must be done through the proper channels to ensure safety and dignity,” he said.
Some of the returnees, including Miss Nneka Chukwu and Mr. Mohammed Bello, recounted their experiences, revealing they had spent four years in Libya after enduring a treacherous one-month journey across the desert. They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return and urged other youths to reconsider taking the irregular route.
The repatriation is part of IOM’s voluntary return and reintegration programme, aimed at assisting vulnerable migrants who wish to return home safely.