…Stay Away From Libya,FG Tells Nigerians
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has said that over 956 Nigerians have been rescued and evacuated from Libya in the first quarter of 2025.
The evacuations were facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Nigeria and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMI).
According to the Commission’s Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the breakdown of returnees includes 683 females, 132 males, 87 children, and 54 infants.
The NIDCOM boss in a statement issued in Abuja by the Commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said that the evacuees were brought back to Nigeria in six batches between January and March 2025.
The six evacuation exercises saw 152 Nigerians repatriated on January 28, followed by 145, 180, and 159 on February 11, 19, and 25, respectively.
Further evacuations on March 4 and 18 brought back 144 and 176 Nigerians, respectively.
Dabiri-Erewa said that over the past few years, the Nigerian government and the IOM have facilitated the return of more than 15,000 stranded Nigerians from Libya and other countries.
She said, “Over 15,000 rescued in the last couple of years by the federal govt and the IOM.”
Dabiri-Erewa reiterated the Commission’s continuous warning to Nigerians against taking irregular and hazardous migration routes, particularly through Libya.
“Because of the delicate political situation in Libya, we consistently caution Nigerians to avoid using Libya as a pathway to Europe, along with other dangerous migration routes,” she stated.
The NIDCOM chairman urged Nigerians to explore legal and regulated migration options instead, expressing concern that some of those rescued from Libya often attempt to return or seek even more perilous routes into Europe.
She reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to upholding the interests, dignity, and fundamental human rights of Nigerians both at home and abroad.
Dabiri-Erewa called for increased collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the media, and other stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns on the dangers of irregular migration.
She warned, “Avoid dangerous pathways like Libya. Not worth it at all.”
The warning comes amid growing global concerns over illegal migration and human trafficking, with Libya remaining a major transit hub for migrants attempting to cross into Europe, often facing exploitation, detention, or death along the way.
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