IOM evacuates 180 Nigerian migrants from Libya

IOM has evacuated another 180 Nigerian migrants, mostly women and children, from Libya to Lagos. The returnees arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport aboard a chartered flight after enduring difficult conditions including detention and exploitation abroad.

The UN agency provided immediate assistance including health screening and counseling, with eligible beneficiaries set to receive reintegration support to rebuild their lives. This latest operation is part of ongoing collaboration between IOM, Federal Government, and international partners to facilitate voluntary returns.

Since 2017, IOM has rescued more than 65,500 stranded Nigerian migrants, with over 30,000 receiving psychological, social, and economic support. The Federal Government in May 2026 warned that irregular migration is illegal and exposes individuals to serious risks, requiring all international travel to be conducted with valid passport and approved immigration documents.

With thousands of Nigerians still abroad under difficult conditions, should the government increase awareness campaigns at home or strengthen diplomatic efforts to prevent exploitation before migrants leave Nigeria?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/06/02/iom-receives-180-nigerian-migrants-from-libya/