Libyan authorities have repatriated 80 Nigerian migrants who were detained in various holding facilities across the country, as part of continuing efforts to address irregular migration and reduce congestion in detention centers.
The movement was coordinated by the Department for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM) in collaboration with the Nigerian Consulate in Tripoli, with the expelled migrants departing from Mitiga International Airport on Wednesday.
The group monitoring migrant welfare and human rights in Libya, known as Migrant Rescue Watch, disclosed that the deportation followed judicial directives released by the Libyan Judicial Police.
According to the Statement posted on X, the organization said, “Judicial Police Dept., on orders of Public Prosecutor’s Office, transferred a group of undocumented migrant females of Nigerian nationality to DCIM custody in Tripoli. All females were served with a judicial deportation order and are awaiting deportation.”
“DCIM with Nigerian consular support, repatriated 80 migrants of Nigerian nationality via Mitiga Int. Airport in Tripoli. The group includes migrants transferred by the Judicial Police who were served with a judicial deportation order,” the statement further stated.
The move follows renewed efforts by Libyan authorities, in collaboration with diplomatic missions, to manage the presence of undocumented migrants and tackle issues related to overcrowding and human rights conditions in holding facilities.