FG moves 117 Nigerians from Libya

The Federal Government in connection with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) on Tuesday disclosed that it has taken away 117 irregular Nigerian migrants from Libya.

The exercise came barely one week after the Nigerian Mission in Tripoli were able to take away 137 stranded Nigerians from Libya.

Chargé D’affaires en titre of the Nigerian Mission to Libya, Amb. Kabiru Musa, made this revelation in a statement presented to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Musa revealed that the evacuees who included 22 women, 89 men, 4 infants, 2 children, quitted Tripoli Ground 1:00 p.m. and were to land at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, at 6:00 p.m.

Musa revealed that amongst those evacuated were 48 persons who were set free from Libyan correctional 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 also said that operatives from relevant agencies will be present to welcome the evacuees as they arrive in Lagos.