145 Nigerians Stranded in Libya Evacuated by Federal Government and IOM 

The Federal Government of Nigeria, in a joint effort with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has successfully repatriated 145 stranded Nigerians from Libya. This evacuation was conducted under the IOM’s Voluntary Humanitarian Return initiative, marking a crucial step in addressing the plight of Nigerians abroad.

Ambassador Kabiru Musa, the Charge d’Affaires of the Nigerian Mission in Libya, announced the successful operation in a statement issued on Monday. According to Musa, the stranded Nigerians, comprising 119 women and 26 men, were previously held in various Libyan detention centers for residing in the country illegally and without proper travel documents.

These stranded Nigerians in Libya had endured harrowing experiences, living in difficult circumstances while in detention. Their evacuation represents the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian suffers abroad, as emphasized by Musa. 

The Federal Government, with the indispensable support of the IOM, facilitated the return of these individuals who had expressed a willingness to return home after their ordeal.

The evacuees departed from Libya’s Mitiga International Airport on a chartered flight, UZ 189, and were expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Monday evening. Musa highlighted the importance of this operation, noting that it is a part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to safeguard its citizens abroad.

Upon their arrival, the returned Nigerians were to be received by relevant agencies responsible for their rehabilitation and safe reintegration into society. This process is crucial in ensuring that the returnees can readjust and reintegrate into their communities smoothly.

Musa further stated that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the IOM, is dedicated to continuing the repatriation of stranded Nigerians in Libya under the Voluntary Humanitarian Return program. This commitment underscores Nigeria’s proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by its citizens abroad, particularly in regions with unstable conditions like Libya.