The Federal Government, in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has safely returned 145 stranded Nigerians from Libya under the IOM Voluntary Humanitarian Return initiative.
Charge d’Affaires of the Nigerian Mission in Libya, Kabiru Musa revealed this in a statement issued on Monday.
According to Musa, the stranded Nigerians were being held in various prison institutions for being in Libya illegally and without travel permits.
He said the Federal Government, with the usual assistance of the IOM, evacuated the irregular migrants who expressed desire to return home following the terrible circumstances they found themselves in.
He explained that the operation was part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that no Nigerian person suffered in the country.
Musa stated that the evacuees who left Libya’s Mitiga International Airport on Monday afternoon were anticipated to arrive at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Monday evening.
“Today, 145 stranded Nigerians were evacuated from Mitiga Airport, Libya, aboard chartered flight No UZ 189, and are expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Monday evening.
“The evacuees include 119 women and 26 men.
“Upon arrival, they will be received by relevant agencies who will ensure their rehabilitation and safe reintegration into the society,” Musa stated.