182 Nigerians return from Libya through IOM, FG collaboration

By Ozioruva Aliu, BENIN CITY

182 Nigerian migrants, including two unaccompanied children, were repatriated to Nigeria through a joint effort by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Federal Government.

The group landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Tuesday at approximately 8:24 pm aboard an aircraft designated Buraq.

Among the 182 returnees were two unaccompanied children and 153 adults, comprising 108 females and 45 males.

They were brought back under the IOM Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme, which is financed by the European Union in partnership with the Nigerian Government and other stakeholders.

Ali Ibrahim, Head of IOM’s Lagos Sub‑Office, explained that the returnees had flown in from Benghazi on a chartered flight. He noted that about 50 of the 182 had come directly from detention centres, while the remainder had been in cities around Benghazi and elsewhere in Libya.

“182 Nigerians arrived home today after difficult journeys along migration routes. Many left in search of opportunities, but instead faced hardship, uncertainty, and for some, exploitation,” Ibrahim said.

He added, “Today there is relief but return is just the first step. Working closely with the government of Nigeria and with support from the European Union, IOM is helping turn the returnees into a pathway towards recovery.”

Upon arrival, the returnees received reception support, health screening, and counselling. Those who qualify can also access reintegration assistance to help them rebuild their lives, including skills training, small‑business support, and psychosocial care.

“For nearly a decade, more than 65,700 Nigerians have returned safely and over 52,200 have received reintegration support. What matters most is this: with the right support and strong partnership, returning can become a real opportunity to recover, rebuild, and move forward with dignity,” Ibrahim concluded.

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