In a significant humanitarian effort, at least 159 Nigerians stranded in Libya have been successfully repatriated, thanks to the coordinated intervention of the Libyan Department for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM), Nigerian consular officials, and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
The returnees, including women and children, were flown back to Nigeria from Benina International Airport in Benghazi. The development was confirmed on Wednesday by Migrant Rescue Watch, a prominent organization monitoring migration issues, through its official X handle.
> “DCIM, in coordination with consular staff and IOM support, repatriated 159 #migrants, including women and children of Nigerian nationality, via Benina Int. Airport,” the organization stated.
This repatriation is part of an ongoing initiative to address the plight of Nigerian migrants who find themselves trapped in Libya while attempting to cross into Europe in search of better economic opportunities. Many of these migrants endure extreme hardships, including detention, forced labor, human trafficking, and gross human rights violations.
In recent years, the IOM and the Nigerian government have intensified efforts to facilitate the voluntary return of stranded citizens through the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) Programme. Under this initiative, thousands of Nigerians have been brought back home, with support for reintegration into society.
Despite these efforts, the dire situation of Nigerian migrants in Libya remains a pressing concern. Many are still languishing in detention centers or living in precarious conditions, facing an uncertain future. This latest repatriation underscores the urgent need for sustained international cooperation, stronger policy frameworks, and proactive measures to protect the rights and welfare of migrants.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of irregular migration, there is an increasing call for enhanced economic opportunities at home to dissuade desperate journeys that often lead to suffering and loss. The return of these 159 Nigerians is a step toward restoring hope, but much more remains to be done to address the root causes of migration and ensure a safer future for all.
PIONEER NEWS 