181 Nigerians repatriated from Libya
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has repatriated 181 Nigerian migrants from Benghazi, Libya, under its Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) programme. IOM said in a statement that the operation was carried out with the support of the European Union Mission in Libya, ensuring a safe, humane and dignified return for the migrants. The returnees were […]
FILE PHOTO: Stranded Nigerians return from Libya
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has repatriated 181 Nigerian migrants from Benghazi, Libya, under its Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) programme.
IOM said in a statement that the operation was carried out with the support of the European Union Mission in Libya, ensuring a safe, humane and dignified return for the migrants.
The returnees were received by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) at the cargo terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on March 10, 2026, at about 9:50 p.m. aboard an Al Buraq Airlines flight.
According to the breakdown, the returnees included 164 adults—75 males and 90 females—with two female medical cases. Others were seven children, comprising three males and four females, and 10 infants.
On arrival, officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service conducted biometric registration and documentation to facilitate their reintegration.
The returnees also received humanitarian support, including food, water, medical care, ambulance services, luggage assistance and counselling.
Meanwhile, NEMA’s Kano Operations Office received 148 Nigerian returnees from Agadez in the Niger Republic at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The returnees arrived on March 9 and were taken to the Nigeria Immigration Service Training School in Kano for documentation and further processing.
The reception exercise involved several agencies, including IOM, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, NAPTIP, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Officials said the coordinated effort reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to the safe and dignified return of stranded Nigerians.