The Federal Government has repatriated 161 Nigerians whose release was secured from detention facilities in Libya over various Immigration offences by the Embassy of Nigeria.
A statement by the Charge D’Affaires En Titre of the Nigerian Mission in Libya, Amb. Kabiru Musa, indicated that the Nigerians were repatriated on Monday.
He said the Federal Government, through its Mission in Libya, secured the release of the detained Nigerians to enable them return home to rebuild their lives.
“The Nigerian Mission in Libya with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Libyan authorities secured their release from detention centers across Libya so that they can return home to rebuild their lives.
“The 161 evacuees departed Mitiga International Airport, Tripoli aboard chattered flight No.UZ0189 on Monday evening and are expected to arrive the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos same Monday night.
“They include 87 males, 68 females, five children and one infant.
“This further shows the commitment of the Federal government in ensuring the safety and dignity of every Nigerian citizens in the diaspora,” Musa said.
He added that the evacuees were also sensitised on the dangers of irregular migration, and warned against embarking on such perilous journeys again, and to also warn others on getting home to avoid irregular migration.
Nearly 6,000 stranded Nigerians have been repatriated under the IOM/FG Voluntary Humanitarian Repatriation (VHR) exercise in 2023.
