The Federal Government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced on Tuesday that they had evacuated 117 unauthorized Nigerian migrants from Libya.
Less than a week had passed since the Nigerian Mission in Tripoli rescued 137 Nigerians who had become stuck in Libya.
This was stated in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja by Amb. Kabiru Musa, the Nigerian Mission’s Charge D’Affaires in Titre.
The evacuees, which Musa reported to be made up of 89 men, 22 women, two children, and four infants, departed Tripoli at 1:00 pm and were scheduled to arrive at Lagos’ Murtala Mohammed International Airport at 6:00 pm.
Musa said amongst the evacuees were 48 persons who were released from Libyan detention facilities.
“Again, we have successfully evacuated another 117 more stranded Nigerians who were irregular migrants in Libya.
“They left today, Nov. 1, at 13.00 hrs from the Tripoli International Airport and are expected to arrive the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos at 18. 00 hrs (Nigerian time).
“The evacuees include 89, 22 women, two children and four infants.
“Among them the 117 evacuees, 48 of them were released from Libyan detention centres and this was facilitated by the Nigerian government.
“The Federal government is committed to ensuring that no Nigerian is left stranded in a foreign country.
“The Nigerian Mission in Tripoli will continue to work with the Libyan Authorities to ensure none of our citizens are unjustly detained and will ensure their voluntary repatriation,” Musa said.
Musa added that personnel from relevant agencies will be on ground to receive the evacuees upon their arrival in Lagos.