The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) received 180 Nigerian returnees from Sebha, Libya, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos State, on Tuesday.
The returnees arrived at about 4:20 p.m. aboard an Air Buraq Airlines flight, registration number 5A-BAE, at the airport’s cargo terminal.
The reception was carried out by NEMA through its Lagos Operations Office, in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), under the Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) programme coordinated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The group comprised 143 adults, including 75 males and 68 females; 26 children, 12 males and 14 females; and 11 infants, including three males and eight females.
Upon arrival, officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) conducted biometric registration and documentation to establish the identities of the returnees, maintain accurate records and facilitate subsequent reintegration processes.
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The returnees received immediate humanitarian assistance, including food, potable water, medical screening, ambulance services for those requiring medical attention, luggage handling, logistical support, reception coordination and counselling.
Reintegration support was also provided to facilitate their return to their respective communities.
The reception exercise involved relevant government agencies and partners working together to ensure the safe and dignified arrival of the returnees and provide the necessary assistance following their return to Nigeria.
Libya remains one of the major transit routes for Nigerians attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe, with many ending up stranded, detained, or subjected to exploitation and abuse.
