IOM Receives 180 Nigerian Migrants, Including Women and Children, Repatriated From Libya

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), received 180 Nigerian migrants from Libya on Tuesday in Lagos, including women and children. The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport aboard a chartered Buraq Airline flight at about 8:15 p.m. The migrants are voluntary returnees from Libya. 

The IOM Subhead in Lagos, Mr Ali Ibrahim, told newsmen at the airport that the majority of the migrants were from detention camps in Benghazi, Libya. He said many left in search of opportunity but instead faced hardship, uncertainty, and for some, exploitation, and that while there is relief upon return, return is only the first step.

Ibrahim disclosed that the returnees comprised 108 adult females and 45 adult males, bringing the total number of adults to 153. He added that the flight also conveyed 17 children, which included 12 infants, making a total of 182 returnees on the flight. He noted that two of the returnees were unaccompanied children who returned without their parents or guardians. Upon arrival, the returnees received reception support, health screening, and counselling.

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Those eligible can also access reintegration assistance to help them rebuild their lives, including skills training, small business support, and psychosocial care. Ibrahim stated that for nearly a decade, more than 65,700 Nigerians have returned safely, and over 52,200 have received reintegration support. He emphasised that with the right support and strong partnership, return can become a real opportunity to recover, rebuild, and move forward with dignity. The IOM is working closely with the government of Nigeria and with support from the European Union to help the returnees transition back into society.