The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), a United Nations agency, on Tuesday evening received 180 Nigerian migrants – including women, children, and infants – repatriated from Libya.
The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos aboard a chartered Buraq Airline flight, touching down at the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal around 8:15 p.m. The majority were voluntary returnees originating from detention camps in Benghazi.
Speaking at the airport, the IOM Subhead in Lagos, Ali Ali Ibrahim, said many of the migrants had left Nigeria in search of opportunity but instead faced hardship, uncertainty, and, for some, exploitation.
“Today, there is relief, but return is only the first step,” Mr Ibrahim said. “Working closely with the government of Nigeria and with support from the European Union, the IOM is helping them return into a pathway toward recovery.”
According to Mr Ibrahim, the returnees comprised 108 adult females and 45 adult males, totalling 153 adults. The flight also conveyed 17 children (seven females and ten males) and 12 infants (eight females and four males). In total, 182 individuals arrived, with 123 females and 59 males. Two of the returnees were unaccompanied children, returning without parents or guardians.
Upon arrival, all returnees received reception support, health screening, and counselling. Those eligible will also have access to reintegration assistance, including skills training, small business support, and psychosocial care.
Mr Ibrahim noted that over the past decade, more than 65,700 Nigerians have returned safely through the IOM, with over 52,200 receiving reintegration support.
“What matters most is this: with the right support and strong partnership, return can become a real opportunity to recover, rebuild and move forward with dignity,” he said.