Lagos, Nigeria – The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the arrival of 171 stranded Nigerians from Libya at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos on Tuesday.
The repatriated individuals were brought back on an Al-Buraq aircraft, a Boeing 737-500 with the registration number 5A-DMG.
According to a statement posted on NEMA’s social media platforms, the returnees included 41 adult women, 115 adult men, one female child, six male children, four female infants, and four male infants. The agency reported that no medical cases were recorded among the returnees upon their arrival.
NEMA’s Lagos Territorial Office, in collaboration with other stakeholders such as the Nigeria Immigration Service, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Port Health, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), provided immediate humanitarian support to the returnees. The agencies on the ground ensured that the individuals received necessary care and assistance.
As part of the reintegration process, the returnees will undergo basic business skill training, counseling, and medical assistance at the Transit Camp in Lagos.
This program is designed to help the returnees transition back into their communities and improve their prospects for the future. Following these processes, they will be released to their respective destinations by the IOM.
This repatriation follows a similar operation in mid-August when NEMA, with the aid of other stakeholders, received 149 Nigerians who had been stranded in Niger Republic. The return of these individuals was also facilitated by the IOM Mission in Niger Republic. Among the 149 returnees, two were reported to have sustained leg injuries.
In January, NEMA’s Kano Territorial Office reported the repatriation of 975 stranded Nigerians from Niger Republic in 2023. These efforts are part of a broader initiative by NEMA to address the challenges faced by Nigerians involved in irregular migration.
NEMA has used these events to reiterate its advice to Nigerian youths, urging them to avoid engaging in risky migration practices in search of better opportunities abroad. The agency emphasized the dangers associated with irregular migration and the importance of pursuing safer and legal avenues for improving their circumstances.
The return of the 171 Nigerians from Libya underscores the ongoing challenges faced by many individuals who leave Nigeria in hopes of finding better opportunities, only to encounter difficult and often hazardous conditions abroad.
NEMA’s continued efforts in repatriating stranded nationals and providing necessary support highlight the agency’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians both within and outside the country.
The agency’s proactive measures and collaboration with international and local partners aim to mitigate the risks associated with irregular migration and provide a pathway for those returning to reintegrate into their communities.
