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The Federal Government, with the support of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), yesterday, repatriated 102 more Nigerian irregular migrants, who were released from detention facilities in Libya.
Chargé D’Affaires En Titre of the Nigerian Mission in Libya, Amb. Kabiru Musa, made the disclosure in a statement, yesterday.
The exercise came barely 24 hours after 21 other Nigerian irregular migrants were repatriated by the IOM and the Nigerian Mission in Libya. Musa said the evacuees departed Mitiga International Airport Tripoli aboard chartered flight no UZ 189, at 1p.m local time, and were expected to arrive at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos the same day.
“With the support of the IOM and the Libyan authorities, we have successfully evacuated another batch of stranded Nigerians in Libya after we facilitated their release from detention centres in Libya.
“Among the evacuees are 94 female adults, four male children, and four female children.
“They are being evacuated under the Voluntary Humanitarian Repatriation (VHR) programme. The exercise further demonstrates the Federal government’s commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian is left stranded abroad.
“I advised the returnees to desist from irregular migration which involves travelling to a foreign country without valid travel documents or visa. It is risky and makes them susceptible to abuse. They were also enlightened on the deception of human traffickers who use fake promises to lure them into modern day slavery and sexual exploitation.
“I have also admonished them to become vanguards for the fight against trafficking in persons, which is a crime against humanity and a dent to the good image of Nigeria when they return home.
“The federal government is committed to the safe, orderly return of irregular migrants, so as not leave them suffer deprivation while in detention. We have to work together with relevant authorities to end the menace of human trafficking and irregular migration,” Musa said.
Musa said he was glad on the pledges by the returnees never to embark on such a perilous journey, and to always seek regular pathways for migration in future if it becomes necessary. They also promised to wage war against the crime when they eventually reunite with their families.
About 5,000 stranded Nigerians in Libya have been successfully repatriated by the federal government, in collaboration with the IOM under the VHR, from 2021 to date, with over 800 evacuated in eight exercises in 2023 alone.
