NEMA Confirms Return of 147 Nigerians Stranded in Libya

The Federal Government has received 147 stranded Nigerians repatriated from Libya through the Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) programme facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

In a statement, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said the returnees arrived at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard an Air Libya Airlines flight with registration number 5A-BAE, at about 5:15 p.m. on October 21, 2025.

According to NEMA, the returnees included 100 adults — 32 males and 68 females — along with 34 children (18 males and 16 females) and 13 infants (5 males and 8 females).

The agency said the repatriation exercise was coordinated by its Lagos Operations Office in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI). Officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) were also on ground to conduct biometric registration and documentation to aid proper identification and reintegration.

“In line with the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safe, dignified, and humane return of its citizens, the returnees were provided with food, potable water, medical care, ambulance services, and counselling, alongside logistical support to facilitate their transition,” the statement added.