Ayomide Awe
No fewer than 173 Nigerians have returned to the country from Libya under the Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) Programme, the National Emergency Management Agency has said.
The returnees, comprising adults, children and infants, arrived at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, at about 5:05pm on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
The return was coordinated by the International Organisation for Migration in collaboration with the Federal Government through NEMA and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.
NEMA, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the returnees comprised 152 adults, including eight males and 144 females.
It added that 14 children—six males and eight females—were among those brought back, while seven infants comprised three males and four females.
The agency further disclosed that two of the returnees, a male and a female, were identified as medical cases and received appropriate attention as part of the reception arrangements.
According to NEMA, the returnees were brought back aboard an Air Buraq Airlines flight with registration number 5A-BAC.
The agency said the exercise was part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government and international partners to facilitate the safe and orderly return of Nigerians stranded or seeking assistance to leave Libya.
At the airport, officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service carried out biometric registration and documentation of the returnees.
NEMA explained that the exercise was necessary to establish proper identification and records while supporting the reintegration of the returnees into their communities.
Beyond documentation, the returnees received immediate humanitarian assistance, including food, potable water and medical screening.
Those requiring further medical attention were provided with ambulance services, while luggage handling, reception coordination and counselling were also provided.
NEMA said the returnees were subsequently offered reintegration support designed to assist them in returning to their respective communities and rebuilding their lives.
The agency said the reception exercise was concluded successfully, with government agencies and international partners working together to provide the necessary assistance.
The latest return adds to the continuing stream of Nigerians being brought back from Libya through assisted voluntary return arrangements, as authorities and migration agencies seek to facilitate safer migration and support Nigerians returning from irregular migration routes.
NEMA reiterated the importance of coordinated humanitarian and reintegration support to ensure that returnees are not left without assistance after arriving in the country..
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