Libya has successfully facilitated the repatriation of 166 Nigerian migrants through a voluntary return program, a significant effort coordinated by the Department for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM) in Libya’s Southern Region, with key support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This operation, conducted at Sabha International Airport, aimed to help stranded Nigerian citizens return home safely. Libya’s commitment to aiding these migrants underscores the ongoing humanitarian challenges faced by many African migrants in North Africa who are often stranded in difficult conditions.
The recent repatriation effort involved complex coordination between Libyan authorities and international organizations, highlighting a collaborative approach to address the plight of stranded migrants. The successful operation was shared by Migrant Rescue Watch on its X social media account, confirming the departure of the Nigerians from Sabha, a city in southern Libya known as a transit hub for migrants.
This repatriation follows widespread attention on Nigerian migrants’ experiences in Libya, particularly after a recent case that spotlighted the hardships many face. A young Nigerian woman, Omowunmi, originally from Ondo State, shared a distressing video online, pleading for help due to her deteriorating health and lack of shelter. In the video, she recounted her painful ordeal, describing how she suffers from a severe ulcer and has been left homeless after being abandoned by her guardian.
Omowunmi’s case has raised awareness about the harsh realities many Nigerian migrants endure when they find themselves stranded in Libya without support. She explained in her video that her guardian not only abandoned her but also took away her SIM card, leaving her unable to contact her family. Despite her attempts to retrieve funds owed to her, Omowunmi received no assistance, leaving her in a vulnerable and helpless state.
Her video also pointed to a broader issue affecting many Nigerians and other African migrants who seek better opportunities abroad but find themselves in perilous situations. Limited access to healthcare, inadequate food, and lack of financial resources often worsen the physical and mental well-being of migrants, like Omowunmi, who are unable to find safety or support in a foreign land.
Following the release of her video, Omowunmi’s plea reached Nigerian officials, with Abdur-Rahman Balogun, a spokesperson for the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), advising her to reach out to the Nigerian embassy in Libya. Balogun emphasized that the embassy could offer immediate assistance, underscoring the importance of diplomatic channels in addressing the needs of citizens abroad.
The challenges faced by Nigerian migrants in Libya underscore the risks associated with irregular migration. Many Nigerians take these journeys in search of better opportunities but often face hardship, exploitation, or abandonment. Repatriation programs like the one conducted by Libya, in cooperation with the IOM, offer these migrants a lifeline, helping them return home safely.
This case serves as a reminder of the need for greater awareness and stronger support systems for migrants. For those considering irregular migration, understanding the risks and having access to support and reliable information could prevent future tragedies. International partnerships, such as those between Libya and the UN, are critical in providing timely assistance to migrants who find themselves in difficult circumstances far from home