FG Receives 180 Nigerian Returnees From Libya
The Federal Government has received 180 Nigerians who returned from Sebha, Libya, under an assisted voluntary return programme coordinated by the International Organisation for Migration in partnership with the Nigerian government.
Politics Nigeria reports that the returnees arrived at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos State, at about 4:20 pm on Tuesday aboard an Air Buraq Airlines aircraft with registration number 5A-BAE.
The National Emergency Management Agency disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday and shared on its official X handle on Wednesday.
NEMA said its Lagos Operations Office coordinated the reception alongside the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.
The 180 returnees comprised 143 adults, 26 children and 11 infants. The adults included 75 males and 68 females, while the children consisted of 12 boys and 14 girls. The group also included three male infants and eight female infants.
Upon arrival, the returnees underwent immigration documentation and received immediate humanitarian assistance as the relevant agencies began arrangements to support their return to their communities.
NEMA explained that officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service carried out biometric registration and documentation to confirm the identities of the returnees and ensure that proper records were maintained.
“Upon arrival, officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service conducted biometric registration and documentation to establish the identities of the returnees, maintain accurate records and facilitate subsequent reintegration processes,” the statement said.
The registration process forms part of the arrangements for managing the returnees and supporting their reintegration into Nigerian society. It also provides the relevant authorities with records needed to coordinate assistance after their arrival.
The agency said the returnees were provided with food, potable water and medical screening as part of the immediate support offered at the airport.
Ambulance services were also made available to those who required further medical attention.
Other services provided included luggage handling, logistical support, reception coordination and counselling.
NEMA said the intervention was designed to address the immediate needs of the returnees and ensure that their arrival was handled in an organised manner.
“Reintegration support was also provided to facilitate their return to their respective communities,” the statement added.
The agency noted that the exercise involved cooperation among government institutions and international partners to ensure that the Nigerians were received safely and treated with dignity.
The Assisted Voluntary Return Programme, coordinated by the International Organisation for Migration, provides support for migrants who wish to return to their countries of origin.
Depending on individual circumstances and the assistance available, the process may include travel arrangements, reception support and reintegration assistance after arrival.
NEMA said the collaboration between the government agencies and their partners was aimed at ensuring that the returnees received the necessary assistance.
However, the agency’s statement did not provide individual accounts of the circumstances that led the returnees to leave Libya, the duration of their stay there or the specific support packages available to each person after arrival.
NEMA reaffirmed that the intervention was intended to ensure the safe and dignified arrival of the Nigerians and provide assistance following their return.
In a related development, Politics Nigeria earlier reported the return of Nigerians from South Africa following renewed xenophobic tensions and attacks against foreign nationals in the country.
The first batch of 262 Nigerians, accompanied by three government officials, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on June 11, aboard a chartered Air Peace flight funded by the Federal Government.
The return followed growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians amid anti-immigration protests and reported attacks on foreign nationals.
