IOM Receives 180 Nigerian Migrants From Libya

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a United Nations agency, on Tuesday received 180 Nigerian migrants, including women and children, who were returned from Libya.

The migrants arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, through the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal aboard a chartered Buraq Airline flight at about 8:15 p.m.

They were mainly women and children who were voluntarily repatriated from detention camps in Benghazi, Libya.

Speaking to journalists at the airport, the IOM Subhead in Lagos, Mr. Ali Ali Ibrahim, said most of the returnees came from detention facilities in Benghazi after experiencing difficult migration journeys.

“We are here tonight to welcome home 180 Nigerian migrants from Libya after difficult journeys along migration routes,” he said.

“Many left in search of opportunity, but instead faced hardship, uncertainty and for some, exploitation. Today, there is relief, but return is only the first step.”

He said the IOM, in collaboration with the Nigerian government and support from the European Union, was assisting returnees with reintegration programmes to help them rebuild their lives.

According to him, the returnees comprised 108 adult females and 45 adult males, bringing the total number of adults to 153.

He added that the flight also carried 17 children and 12 infants, noting that two of the returnees were unaccompanied minors.

“In total, there were 123 females and 59 males, making a total of 182 returnees on the flight,” he said.

Ibrahim explained that on arrival, the returnees received reception support, medical screening and counselling services.

He added that those eligible would also benefit from reintegration assistance, including skills training, small business support and psychosocial care.

He noted that over 65,700 Nigerians have been safely returned over the past decade, while more than 52,200 have received reintegration support.

“With the right support and strong partnership, return can become a real opportunity to recover, rebuild and move forward with dignity,” he said.