FG repatriates 159 stranded migrants from Libya

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), on Tuesday successfully repatriated another 159  Nigerian irregular migrants from Libya.

The continuous evacuation of Nigerians stranded in Libya, by the Nigerian Mission in Tripoli is part of the Federal Government’s citizen’s diplomacy drive, to ensure the safety of all Nigerians across the world.

Amb. Kabiru Musa, Chargé D’affaires en titre, of the Nigerian Mission to Libya, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Musa said that the 159 evacuees, left Mitiga International Airport, Tripoli at 2.30 p.m and are expected to arrive the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos at 6.40 p.m Nigerian time.

He said the continuous evacuation, would not end until all stranded Nigerians in Libya, who wish to voluntarily return home are brought to Nigeria safe and sound.

“We have again successfully evacuated another batch of 159 stranded Nigerians from Libya. As you know, most of them here are irregular migrants without travel documents and consequently face difficult situations in the country.

“With the collaboration of IOM and Libyan authorities, we evacuated 159 stranded Nigerians, which included 65 men, 61women, 19 children and 14 infants.

“They departed Mitiga International Airport, Tripoli aboard chartered flight, UZ0189 by 2.30 p.m local time, and are expected to arrive Nigeria via the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos by 6.40 p.m Nigerian time”, he said.

According to him, “The Federal Government and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, have taken this as a priority to ensure that none of its citizens will be left stranded in a foreign country. The exercise is worldwide, and not limited to Libya alone.

“Arrangements have also been made by the Federal government for relevant agencies to receive them upon arrival, and ensure their reintegration into the society”.

Musa said that so far, over 3,000 Nigerians had been returned to Nigeria from Libya, between January to November 2022, under the IOM’s voluntary humanitarian return programme.