IOM Evacuates 180 Stranded Nigerians from Libya

By Tgnews Reporter

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has facilitated the return of 180 stranded Nigerian migrants from Libya as part of ongoing efforts to address the challenges of irregular migration and support vulnerable citizens abroad.

The returnees, made up largely of women and children, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard a chartered flight coordinated by the United Nations migration agency.

According to the IOM, many of the migrants endured difficult conditions in Libya, including detention, exploitation, abuse, and prolonged uncertainty while attempting to migrate to Europe and other destinations through irregular routes.

In a statement following the evacuation, the agency said the operation was part of its voluntary humanitarian return programme aimed at assisting stranded migrants and promoting safer migration pathways.

The organization disclosed that the returnees received immediate humanitarian assistance upon arrival, including medical screening, psychosocial support, counseling, and other essential services.

It added that eligible beneficiaries would be enrolled in reintegration programmes designed to help them rebuild their lives, acquire skills, and achieve economic self-sufficiency.

“The latest operation is part of ongoing collaboration between the IOM, the Federal Government, and international partners to facilitate voluntary returns and promote safer migration pathways,” the agency stated.

The evacuation comes as the IOM revealed that more than 65,500 stranded Nigerian migrants have been assisted to return home from Libya and other transit countries over the past nine years.

The disclosure was made during a migration reporting workshop in Lagos, where the agency highlighted the scale of migration challenges facing Nigeria and the humanitarian interventions being implemented to address them.

According to the IOM, over 30,000 returnees have benefited from psychological, social, and economic reintegration support programmes aimed at reducing vulnerability and discouraging repeated attempts at irregular migration.

The agency expressed concern over the continued risks associated with unsafe migration routes, noting that many migrants fall victim to human trafficking networks, forced labour, exploitation, abuse, and detention.

It called for increased public awareness on migration issues and urged media organizations to promote accurate and responsible reporting capable of educating prospective migrants on the realities and dangers of irregular migration.

The latest evacuation also coincides with renewed warnings from the Federal Government against travelling abroad through undocumented channels or without valid immigration documents.