IOM repatriates 180 Nigerians from Libya as voluntary return and reintegration programme continues.
- +Additional 180 Nigerians Return From Libya Under IOM Repatriation Programme
An additional 180 Nigerian migrants have returned from Libya under the International Organisation for Migration’s (IOM) Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme, supported by the European Union.
An additional 180 Nigerian migrants have returned from Libya under the International Organisation for Migration’s (IOM) Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme, supported by the European Union.
The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, from Benghazi, Libya, where many had been stranded under difficult conditions.
The latest group comprised 153 women, 25 men and two unaccompanied minors. According to the IOM, about 50 of the returnees were evacuated from detention centres in Libya, while others had been residing in and around Benghazi before opting to return home.
Speaking at the airport, the Head of IOM’s Lagos Sub-Office, Ali Ibrahim, said the operation was conducted in collaboration with the Federal Government and other partners to provide humanitarian assistance and facilitate the reintegration of returnees.
Upon arrival, the migrants received immediate support, including health screening, psychosocial services, first aid and other emergency assistance aimed at easing their transition back into society.
Beyond reception support, the AVRR programme provides reintegration assistance, including livelihood opportunities, business start-up support, educational interventions and other tailored programmes designed to help returnees rebuild their lives.
Ibrahim said the initiative encourages safe and informed migration decisions, noting that voluntary return remains an option for migrants who find themselves in vulnerable situations abroad.
“Migration is a choice. Returning home does not prevent anyone from travelling again in the future. What we promote is safe and informed migration so that people can make the right decisions before embarking on migration journeys,” he said.
The IOM disclosed that the programme, which began in 2017, has facilitated the return of approximately 65,700 Nigerians from various countries.
According to the organisation, about 7,625 Nigerians have returned through the programme in 2026 alone.
The agency also noted that repatriation flights from Libya continue regularly, with chartered flights arriving almost weekly in Lagos and Kano. Additional returnees also arrive through commercial flights at various entry points, including Abuja.
The latest evacuation underscores ongoing efforts by humanitarian agencies and government partners to assist vulnerable migrants while promoting safer migration pathways and sustainable reintegration.
