A total of 180 Nigerians have returned from Libya under a voluntary return programme coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Federal Government. Among those who arrived in Lagos were 37 children and infants.
The returnees landed at approximately 4:20 p.m. on Tuesday at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Quick Takeaways
- 180 Nigerians returned from Libya under a voluntary return programme.
- The group included 143 adults, 26 children and 11 infants.
- The returnees arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
- NEMA and other government agencies coordinated their reception.
- Assistance included food, drinking water, medical screening, counselling and reintegration support.
How NEMA and Other Agencies Received the Returnees
NEMA announced the arrival in a statement issued on Tuesday and shared on its official X account on Wednesday.
According to the agency, the group travelled from Sebha, Libya, aboard an Air Buraq Airlines flight with registration number 5A-BAE.
NEMA’s Lagos Operations Office received the returnees in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.
The Nigeria Immigration Service also participated in the exercise by conducting biometric registration and documentation. The process was intended to confirm the returnees’ identities and maintain records to support their reintegration.
Breakdown of the 180 Returnees
The returnees comprised adults, children and infants, according to the figures released by NEMA.
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Adult men | 75 |
| Adult women | 68 |
| Boys | 12 |
| Girls | 14 |
| Male infants | 3 |
| Female infants | 8 |
| Total | 180 |
The adult group consisted of 143 people, including 75 men and 68 women. The children comprised 12 boys and 14 girls, while the 11 infants included three boys and eight girls.
In total, the group included 37 children and infants.
Food, Medical Screening and Other Assistance Provided
Following their arrival, the returnees received food, drinking water and medical screening as part of the immediate assistance provided by the participating agencies.
NEMA also reported that ambulance services were made available to individuals who required medical attention. Additional support included luggage handling, logistical assistance and counselling.
The agency’s account describes the services made available to the returnees but does not specify how many people required ambulance services or provide the results of the medical screenings.
Reintegration Support for Nigerians Returning Home
Beyond the immediate reception arrangements at the airport, NEMA said reintegration assistance was provided to help the returnees settle back into their respective communities.
The exercise involved relevant government agencies and other partners working together to facilitate the Nigerians’ safe return and ensure that they were treated with dignity.
The intervention was also intended to provide immediate support to the returnees as they began the process of resettling in Nigeria.
Why the Return and Reintegration Process Matters
Returning to one’s country involves more than the journey home. Documentation, access to basic supplies, medical screening and counselling can form important parts of the reception and reintegration process.
The inclusion of 37 children and infants highlights the range of people covered by this particular operation. However, the available information does not provide individual accounts of their experiences in Libya or details about their circumstances before returning.
NEMA’s statement focuses on the assistance provided during the reception and the support intended to help the returnees settle into their communities.
Government Agencies Coordinate Returnee Assistance
The operation involved NEMA, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, and other partners.
According to NEMA, the coordinated effort was intended to ensure a safe arrival, provide immediate assistance and support the returnees’ reintegration.
The agency’s statement did not provide a detailed timetable for any further assistance beyond the support described in the report.
