NEMA, IOM Receive 180 Returnees from Libya

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the safe return of 180 stranded Nigerians from Libya, as part of ongoing efforts to repatriate vulnerable citizens from crisis-hit countries.

The returnees, who arrived at the Cargo Terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, around 7:00 p.m. on November 11, 2025, were received by NEMA officials and representatives of other key agencies.

According to a statement from the Lagos Operations Office of NEMA on Wednesday, the flight — Air Libya 5A-BAE — was part of a coordinated humanitarian mission conducted in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and other stakeholders.

“The group comprised 147 adults (45 males and 102 females), 19 children (6 males and 13 females), and 14 infants (7 males and 7 females). Forty-six of the returnees were identified with medical conditions and were immediately attended to by health officials,” NEMA said.

Upon arrival, officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service carried out biometric registration and documentation to ensure accurate profiling and smooth reintegration of the returnees.

The agency added that all returnees received food, potable water, medical care, ambulance support, logistics assistance, and counselling — part of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring safe and dignified repatriation.

“The seamless and well-organised operation reflects the Federal Government’s sustained efforts to protect the welfare and dignity of Nigerians returning from crisis-affected regions abroad,” the statement read.

NEMA and the IOM have in recent years collaborated to rescue and reintegrate thousands of Nigerians trapped in Libya and other parts of North Africa amid rising cases of irregular migration and human trafficking.