The Federal Government, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), effectively facilitated the repatriation of an additional group of 147 Nigerian migrants who were irregularly stranded in Libya on Tuesday.
Ambassador Kabiru Musa, the Charge d’Affaires En Titre of the Nigerian Mission in Libya, revealed this information in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Musa stated that the evacuees departed from Tripoli International Airport on Tuesday via chartered flight UZ 189. They were anticipated to arrive at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, later that same evening.
“Under the continuous evacuation exercise of the Federal Government, which is supported by the IOM in Libya, we successfully evacuated another batch of 147 irregular Nigerian migrants who were stranded in Libya.
“The evacuees included 78 males, 55 females, 13 children, and one infant. They departed Libya successfully and are expected to arrive at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, where they will be received by relevant officials.
“We would continue to evacuate stranded Nigerians who have expressed willingness to return to Nigeria under the IOM’s Voluntary Humanitarian Repatriation (VHR) programme, in line with the’renewed hope’ agenda of the present administration to ensure all citizens have a better life.
“We are also pleased with the regular repatriation exercise, which shows that a lot of Nigerians are willing to return home to contribute to the nation’s development,” Musa said.
Musa conveyed gratitude to the Libyan authorities for their continuous support in facilitating successful operations.