The Federal Government in collaboration with the international organization for Migration, IOM, yesterday evacuated about 117 irregular Nigerian migrants trapped in Libya. Similarly, the Nigerian Mission in Tripoli had last week evacuated 137 stranded Nigerians from the same country. This was disclosed by the Nigerian Ambassador to Libya, Amb Kabiru Musa, who is in charge of Nigerian Affairs in Libya while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN yesterday.
According to Musa, the Evacuees include; 89 men, 22 women, two Children, and four infants all boarded a flight to Nigerian from the Libyan Capital Tripoli around !: 00 pm and were expected to arrive at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos by 6:00 pm.
Unfortunately, out of the total number of Nigerians who arrived, the Ambassadorial office revealed that 48 of the people were among those released from the Libyan detention facilities.
According to his statement, Musa said, “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 at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos at 18. 00 hrs (Nigerian time).
He added, “The evacuees include 89, 22 women, two children, and four infants.
“Among them, the 117 evacuees, 48 of them were released from Libyan detention centers and this was facilitated by the Nigerian government.
The Ambassador continued, “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 hinted that personnel from relevant agencies of government would be on the ground to welcome the evacuees upon their arrival in Lagos to undergo all necessary protocols.