Libya has repatriated 166 Nigerian migrants through a voluntary repatriation program coordinated by the Department for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM) in Libya’s Southern Region, with support from the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The operation, which took place at Sabha International Airport, aimed to help stranded Nigerians return to their home country safely.
The news was shared on the X account of Migrant Rescue Watch on Wednesday, confirming that the migrants were flown back to Nigeria from the southern Libyan city of Sabha.
This repatriation effort follows a recent incident that drew public attention to the plight of Nigerian migrants in Libya.
A young Nigerian woman named Omowunmi, reportedly in her early 20s and originally from Ondo State, posted a distressing video on social media in which she appealed for urgent help.
In the video, Omowunmi described her struggle with a serious ulcer and homelessness after her guardian allegedly abandoned her in Libya.
“I am very sick and I need to come back to Nigeria. I need help from Nigerians. Please have mercy on me,” Omowunmi pleaded, adding that her illness had worsened due to inadequate nutrition and medical treatment.
Omowunmi’s appeal has pointed out the difficulties faced by many migrants who leave Nigeria for North Africa in search of better opportunities but end up stranded in precarious conditions.
She claimed that her guardian had confiscated her SIM card, leaving her unable to contact her family, and that her repeated attempts to retrieve funds owed to her had been ignored.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, advised Omowunmi to approach the Nigerian embassy in Libya for immediate assistance.
Libya repatriates 166 Nigerians in voluntary repatriation effort with UN support