FG Rescues Nigerian Immigrants In Libya

180 Stranded Nigerians Return from Libya

In yet another chapter of Nigeria’s ongoing migration saga, 180 Nigerians have finally returned home from Libya. Their journey back was facilitated through a coordinated effort by the Federal Government, the Nigerian Mission in Tripoli, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

This latest batch of returnees, comprising 76 men, 92 women, eight children, and four infants, arrived on Wednesday night via an IOM-chartered flight. They were received at the cargo terminal of Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, where officials ensured their smooth transition back into the country.

A Coordinated Government Effort

Alexander Oturu, the Southwest Zonal Coordinator of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), confirmed in a statement on Thursday that the repatriation was carried out using an “all-of-government approach.”

He emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes the welfare of Nigerians, including those stranded abroad. In line with this vision, the returnees will be integrated into various government empowerment programs and reintegration initiatives supported by the UN Migration Agency (IOM).

Is This The First Time Nigerian's Are Being Repatriated Back From Libya?

While this latest repatriation effort is commendable, it is far from the first of its kind. Libya has long been a precarious route for thousands of Nigerians seeking greener pastures in Europe. The harsh realities of this migration pathway, including human trafficking, forced labor, and inhumane detention conditions, have led to repeated evacuation missions over the years.

In 2022, a similar exercise saw hundreds of stranded Nigerians flown back home. Since April 2017, the IOM has facilitated the voluntary return of over 19,452 Nigerians from Libya, underscoring the magnitude of the migration crisis. Just last year, more than 500 Nigerians were assisted in returning home, marking another milestone in the ongoing humanitarian efforts.

Many of those who embark on this journey do so with dreams of better economic opportunities. However, the reality is often harsh and unforgiving. Migrant workers like Yousef Al Hadji, a Nigerian who migrated to Libya in 2016, experienced first-hand the struggles of unstable employment and economic hardship.

Initially working as a gas station attendant, Yousef later had to resort to working as a garbage facility cleaner just to survive and send money back home. When voluntary humanitarian return flights resumed in October 2021—following months of suspension due to COVID-19 and Libya’s worsening security situation—he seized the opportunity to return to Nigeria.

What Lies Ahead for the Returnees?

Upon arrival, the returnees were transported to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) camp, where NCFRMI and IOM have a tripartite agreement to provide temporary shelter. While there, they will receive basic amenities and assistance before being granted onward transportation allowances to help them reach their final destinations across the country.

The real challenge begins now—how will these returnees reintegrate into Nigerian society? However, their return marks a new beginning—one that offers hope, support, and a second chance to carve out a better future in their homeland.