Over 956 Nigerians evacuated from Libya in three months — NIDCOM
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has announced that more than 956 Nigerians were repatriated from Libya in the first quarter of 2025 alone.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NIDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, credited the success of the repatriation efforts to the collaboration of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMI).
A detailed breakdown of the figures shows that 683 of those repatriated were women, 132 men, 87 children, and 54 infants. These individuals were returned to Nigeria in six separate operations between January and March 2025.
The return flights included 152 Nigerians on 28th January; 145, 180, and 159 on 11th, 19th, and 25th February, respectively; and 144 and 176 on 4th and 18th March.
In recent years, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration, has facilitated the return of over 15,000 stranded Nigerians from Libya and other locations.
Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed NIDCOM’s continuous warnings to Nigerians about the dangers of irregular migration, particularly through Libya, which remains a conflict-ridden nation grappling with numerous challenges.
“Due to Libya’s fragile political situation, we consistently urge Nigerians to avoid using Libya as a transit route to Europe—not just Libya, but other perilous migration paths as well,” she stated.
She also encouraged Nigerians to migrate through legal and authorised channels, noting with concern that some returnees attempt to make their way back to Libya or use even riskier routes to enter Europe.
Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and welfare of Nigerians, both at home and abroad, regardless of their socio-economic status, ethnic background, or religious affiliation.
She further called for collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organisations, the media, and other stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns on the dangers of irregular migration.
