By Nura Okorafor
Over 956 Nigerians stranded in Libya have been rescued and brought back home in the first quarter of 2025.
This is contained in a statement signed by NiDCOM’s Director of Information and protocol, Abdur-Rahman Balogun in Abuja.
The statement explains that the evacuation was carried out through the efforts of the International Organization for Migration, IOM, Nigeria and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, NCRMI.
It says a breakdown of the figures shows that 683 of the returnees were females, 132 males, 87 children, and 54 infants.
“The returnees were repatriated in six batches between January and March. Statistics show that 152 Nigerians arrived on January 28, while 145, 180, and 159 were brought back on February 11, 19, and 25, respectively. The last two batches arrived on March 4 and 18, with 144 and 176 returnees”
The statement emphasizes that over the past few years, more than 15,000 stranded Nigerians have been evacuated from Libya through joint efforts by the Federal Government and international partners.
It warns against using Libya as a migration route to Europe, describing it as a war-torn country with an unstable political climate.
“Because of the delicate situation in Libya, we continuously advise Nigerians to avoid this route, as well as other dangerous migration pathways. Unfortunately, some of those rescued still attempt to return through these hazardous routes”
According to the statement, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa urges Nigerians to migrate only through legal and safe means.
The statement reassures that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting the dignity and fundamental rights of Nigerians, both at home and abroad and called for collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, the media, and other stakeholders to intensify awareness on the dangers of irregular migration.
