By Adenike Lawal
Two hundred and three Nigerians trapped in Libya have returned safely to the country in a major humanitarian operation spearheaded by the National Emergency Management Agency and the International Organization for Migration.
The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos aboard a chartered Al Buraq flight on Monday.
The group included adult men and women, children, and infants — many of whom had faced dangerous conditions during failed migration journeys across North Africa.
This rescue was part of IOM’s Voluntary Humanitarian Repatriation Programme, executed in partnership with Nigerian agencies including Immigration, Refugees Commission, DSS, Police, and health officials. Upon arrival, the returnees were medically screened and registered before being moved to the Igando Resettlement Centre for rehabilitation.
Two of the returnees were in critical condition and were immediately taken to New Ikeja Hospital for treatment.
“This operation is one among many that shows our commitment to rescuing Nigerians in distress and helping them reintegrate,” NEMA stated.
The mission shines a spotlight on the perils of irregular migration and reinforces the importance of international partnerships in protecting vulnerable citizens abroad.
