The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), a United Nations agency, on Tuesday in Lagos facilitated the return of 180 Nigerian migrants from Libya, as part of ongoing voluntary repatriation efforts.
The returnees, made up largely of women and children, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 8:15 p.m. aboard a chartered Buraq Airline flight, which landed at the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the migrants were voluntary returnees, many of whom had been held in detention centres in Benghazi, Libya, before their evacuation.
Speaking at the airport, the IOM Sub-Head in Lagos, Ali Ibrahim, described the return as the end of a difficult and often dangerous migration journey for many of the passengers.
He noted that while some left in search of better opportunities, they instead encountered hardship, uncertainty, and in several cases, exploitation.
“Tonight, we welcome home 180 Nigerian migrants from Libya after difficult journeys along migration routes,” he said. “For many, return is only the beginning of recovery.”
He added that the organisation, in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria and with support from the European Union, would continue to assist the returnees in reintegration programmes.
Ibrahim gave a breakdown of the passengers, stating that the group included 108 adult females and 45 adult males, making 153 adults in total. There were also 17 children—seven females and 10 males—as well as 12 infants comprising eight females and four males.
He further disclosed that two of the returnees were unaccompanied minors who came back without parents or guardians.
According to him, all returnees received immediate assistance on arrival, including health screening, reception support, and counselling. He added that those eligible would be enrolled in reintegration programmes such as vocational training, psychosocial support, and small business assistance.
Ibrahim also noted that over the past decade, more than 65,700 Nigerians have been repatriated safely, while over 52,200 have benefited from reintegration support.
He stressed that with sustained partnerships and proper support systems, returnees could rebuild their lives and regain dignity after difficult migration experiences.