Lagos: The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a United Nations agency, has facilitated the return of 180 Nigerian migrants, including women and children, from Libya, who arrived in Lagos on Tuesday evening.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the returnees landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, through the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal aboard a chartered Buraq Airline flight at approximately 8:15 p.m. The group consisted mainly of voluntary returnees from Libya, many of whom had been in detention camps in Benghazi.
Mr. Ali Ali Ibrahim, the IOM Subhead in Lagos, addressed the media at the airport, highlighting the migrants’ arduous journeys in search of better opportunities, only to face various challenges, including exploitation. He emphasized that while their return marks the beginning of a new path, it is only the first step in their journey towards recovery and reintegration.
According to Ibrahim, the group comprised 108 adult females and 45 adult males, with an additional 17 children, including seven females and ten males. There were also 12 infants, eight females and four males, bringing the total number of returnees on the flight to 182, including 123 females and 59 males. Notably, two of the returnees were unaccompanied children.
Upon arrival, the returnees received reception support, health screening, and counselling services. Ibrahim mentioned that those eligible could access reintegration assistance, which could include skills training, small business support, and psychosocial care. Over the past decade, IOM has facilitated the safe return of more than 65,700 Nigerians, with over 52,200 receiving reintegration support.
Ibrahim concluded that with adequate support and partnerships, return can provide an opportunity for migrants to recover, rebuild, and move forward with dignity.