The Federal Government with the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has repatriated more than 160 stranded Nigerians from Libya.
Amb. Kabiru Musa, Chargé D’Affaires En Titre in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja, said the evacuees were expected to arrive the country on Monday evening.
According to Musa, the evacuees are Nigerians who were trapped in Libya as irregular migrants on the verge of perilous journey to Europe and other parts of the world.
Musa said that the repatriation came less than a week after 155 irregular migrants were voluntarily evacuated, assuring of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensure no citizen was left abandoned abroad.
“The 160 Nigerians departed Mitiga International Airport, Tripoli aboard chartered flight No UZ0189 today, Monday at 4.30 p.m.
“They are expected to arrive at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport on Monday night.
“The evacuees include 95 males, 60 females, one child and four infants.
READ ALSO: Eidel-Maulud: FG declares Sept. 27, public holiday
“They will be received by relevant agencies in the country who will ensure their seamless reintegration into the society,” Musa said.
Musa disclosed that more than 6,500 stranded Nigerians had been repatriated from Libya under the IOM Voluntary Humanitarian Repatriation (VHR) in 2023.