Envoy Decries Irregular Migration as Authorities Repatriate 158 Nigerians from Libya …Commends Collaborative Efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Libyan Authorities, and IOM

By Admin

The Nigerian Mission in Tripoli, in collaboration with Libyan authorities and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has successfully repatriated 158 Nigerian irregular migrants from Libya.

In a statement released on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, by the Charge d’Affaires of the Nigerian Mission in Tripoli, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed, the evacuees departed Mitiga International Airport, Tripoli, aboard a chartered flight (UZ 189) at 1500hrs local time and arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at 1800hrs.

The group comprised seventy-seven males, forty-five females, twenty-six children, and ten infants. The reasons for their repatriation included lack of proper documentation and involvement in various criminal activities, among other issues.

Ambassador Mohammed highlighted that twenty-six males, who were part of a raid on undocumented foreigners, were released from the Abu-Salim Detention Centre in Tripoli. Upon their arrival in Nigeria, the evacuees were received by several government agencies, including NAPTIP, the Nigerian Immigration Service, Airport Security, and the NDLEA, and are set to undergo rehabilitation and reintegration processes.

So far in 2024, nearly 1,776 Nigerians have been repatriated safely. Ambassador Mohammed praised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Libyan authorities, and the IOM for their unwavering support in facilitating the return of these migrants, who had a strong desire to return home but lacked the means.

“This marks the twelfth evacuation exercise conducted by the Nigerian Mission in Libya this year. The current repatriation follows the return of 142 Nigerians from Sabha, Libya, on July 9,” said Ambassador Mohammed. He noted that some migrants were rescued from the Mediterranean Sea by the Libyan Coastal Guards, while others were detained for crimes such as prostitution, illegal entry, overstaying, and lack of proper documentation. Many also voluntarily sought repatriation through the IOM.

Ambassador Mohammed emphasized that Libyan authorities have intensified raids on illegal migrants, considering the influx a national security threat, and have vowed to use all legal means to curb the issue. This crackdown has led to numerous arrests and deportations, with some Nigerians accused of serious crimes, including kidnapping for ransom, drug trafficking, prostitution, alcohol sales, cultism, and human trafficking, often in collaboration with Libyan criminals.

He cautioned that such arrests and deportations are likely to continue in the coming weeks and months.

The Libyan authorities recently hosted the Trans-Mediterranean Migration Forum in Tripoli on July 17, 2024, to address irregular migration by bringing together countries of origin, transit, and destination to discuss solutions.

The IOM’s Voluntary Humanitarian Repatriation program ensures the safe, dignified, and expedited return of willing migrants. The Nigerian government, through its collaboration with the IOM, continues to support the return of many irregular Nigerian migrants.