NEMA Receives 175 Nigerians Evacuated From Libya

By Emmanuel Kwada

A total of 175 Nigerians have returned from Libya under the Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) programme, as the Federal Government and international partners continue efforts to facilitate the safe return and reintegration of stranded and vulnerable migrants.

The returnees were received by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

According to a statement by NEMA, the returnees arrived at about 4:32 p.m. on Monday, November 9, 2026, aboard an Air Buraq Airlines flight from Misrata, Libya.

The group comprised 109 males, 58 females, four children, one male infant and three persons with medical conditions.

The return exercise was coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Federal Government.

Upon arrival, officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service conducted biometric registration and documentation to establish the identities of the returnees and facilitate their reintegration into Nigerian society.

NEMA and NCFRMI also provided immediate humanitarian assistance, including food, potable water, medical screening, ambulance services for those requiring medical attention, luggage handling and other logistical support.

The agencies said counselling and reintegration assistance were also provided to help the returnees settle back into their respective communities.

The latest reception adds to a series of similar return exercises involving Nigerians stranded in Libya under the Assisted Voluntary Return programme.

On October 27, 2026, NEMA and NCFRMI received another 180 Nigerians from Sebha, Libya, at the Lagos airport. The group comprised 143 adults, 26 children and 11 infants.

Earlier, on August 10, 2026, another batch of 178 Nigerians arrived from Tripoli, while 182 returnees were received in June following their return from Libya.

In March 2026, NEMA and IOM also received 145 Nigerians from Benghazi, while another 148 returnees arrived from the same Libyan city in July under the programme.

These six reported return exercises, including the latest 175 arrivals, account for 1,008 Nigerians brought back from Libya in 2026.

The programme, facilitated by IOM in partnership with the Federal Government, provides assistance to migrants who choose to return home, including reception support, medical attention, counselling and reintegration services.

The continued return exercises reflect ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities and international partners to assist citizens facing difficult circumstances abroad and support their safe reintegration into their communities.