The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has announced the return of 203 vulnerable Nigerians stranded in Libya.
The returnees arrived on Monday at the Cargo Terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, where they were received by NEMA and other stakeholders.
The group, transported aboard a chartered Al Buraq Boeing aircraft with registration number 5A-BAC, included 50 adult males, 96 adult females, 29 children, and 28 infants.
Their return was facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) through its voluntary humanitarian repatriation programme, in partnership with Nigerian authorities such as NEMA, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Nigeria Immigration Service, Department of State Services (DSS), Port Health Services, and the Nigeria Police Force.
In a statement on Tuesday, NEMA disclosed that two of the returnees required immediate medical attention and were promptly taken to New Ikeja Hospital for treatment.
The agency explained that upon arrival, the returnees underwent mandatory profiling and biometric registration before being transferred to the Igando IDP Resettlement Centre. There, they will participate in a reintegration programme aimed at helping them rebuild their lives.
“The returnees comprised 50 males, 96 females, 29 children and 28 infants. They (returnees) were offered necessary assistance by IOM with the support of NEMA, NCFRMI, Nigeria Immigration, DSS, Port Health and the Nigeria Police Force,” NEMA stated.
“There were two medical cases, and the patients were transferred to New Ikeja Hospitals for treatment.
“After the mandatory profiling and biometric exercise, the returnees were moved to the Igando IDPs resettlement centre for further reintegration programmes,” NEMA stated.
The repatriation exercise is part of ongoing efforts to support Nigerian citizens experiencing hardship in Libya and ensure their safe return home.
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