Nearly 200 Nigerian Migrants Repatriated from Libya in EU-Backed Effort

A total of 191 Nigerian migrants have been voluntarily repatriated from Libya,the International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed on Wednesday,April 23. The return operation,carried out from the southern Libyan city of Sebha to Lagos,Nigeria,included 111 women among those brought home.

According to a statement issued by the IOM,the operation was conducted under the framework of the European Union’s Migrant Protection,Return and Reintegration programme in North Africa. The initiative aims to provide safe and voluntary return options for stranded migrants,many of whom have found themselves in precarious conditions amid Libya’s ongoing instability.

Since the 2011 uprising that plunged Libya into prolonged unrest,the country has become a key transit point for migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean in search of better opportunities in Europe. Libyan authorities have consistently appealed to the European Union and countries affected by migration routes through Libya for increased assistance in addressing irregular migration and enhancing border management capabilities.