Nigeria’s Charge’ d’ Affaires to Libya, Mohammed Mohammed, announced the repatriation of 158 irregular Nigerian migrants from Libya. The group consisted of 77 males, 45 females, 26 children, and 10 infants. Among them, 26 males were released from Abu-Salim Detention Centre in Tripoli, following their arrest during ongoing raids on undocumented foreigners in Libya.
Mr. Mohammed stated that this recent evacuation brings the total number of repatriated Nigerians to 1,776. The repatriation was a collaborative effort between the Nigerian mission and Libyan authorities, under the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Voluntary Humanitarian Repatriation (VHR) program. This marks the 12th evacuation exercise conducted by the Nigerian Mission in Libya this year.
The envoy highlighted the recent repatriation of 142 irregular Nigerian migrants from Sabha, Libya, on July 19. Some of these migrants were rescued from the Mediterranean Sea by the Libyan Coastal Guards, while others faced charges of prostitution, illegal entry, overstay, and lack of proper documentation. Many willingly submitted to the IOM in Libya for repatriation.
Mr. Mohammed emphasized the tarnished reputation of Nigerians living in Libya due to the criminal activities of a few. Crimes such as kidnapping for ransom, drug peddling, prostitution, sale of alcohol, cultism, and human trafficking have been reported, often involving collaboration with Libyan criminals. Consequently, the arrest and deportation of Nigerians are expected to continue as Libyan authorities intensify their efforts against illegal migrants.
He urged Nigerians to avoid irregular migrations, noting the increasing and coordinated raids on illegal migrants across Libyan cities. The Libyan government views the influx of illegal migrants as a national security issue and is determined to address the problem through all legal means.
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