The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has revealed that over 956 Nigerians were evacuated from Libya in the first quarter of 2025.
This accomplishment was made possible by the joint efforts of the International Organization for Migration, Nigeria, and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally DisplacedPersons.
A statement released on Monday by NiDCOM’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, outlined specifics regarding the evacuation. It revealed that the repatriation occurred through six separate flights from January to March 2025. According to this information, the groups included 683 women, 132 men, 87 children, and 54 infants.
As stated, the evacuation occurred on January 28, February 11, 19, and 25, along with March 4 and 18. The largest group of people returning, totaling 176 individuals, was noted for the expedition on March 18.
The statement read: “Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, says over 956 Nigerians have been evacuated from Libya in the first quarter of 2025 alone.”
“The breakdown shows that 683 of them were females, 132 males, 87 children, and 54 infants. The returnees were brought back home in six tranches from January to March 2025.”
The six journeys encompassed numbers 152 on January 28, followed by 145, 180, and 159 on February 11, 19, and 25, respectively. Additionally, the counts of 144 and 176 were recorded on March 4 and 18.
The statement revealed that more than 15,000 Nigerians have successfully returned home from Libya as part of an ongoing evacuation initiative led collaboratively by the Federal Government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) since the start of this effort.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the commission’s ongoing caution to Nigerians about avoiding illegal migration via dangerous paths such as Libya.
“Given the sensitive political climate in Libya, we repeatedly advise Nigerians to steer clear of using Libya as a route to Europe; this applies not only to Libya but also to other unauthorized pathways,” she cautioned.
She similarly encouraged Nigerians to explore lawful and secure routes for migration, highlighting her worries about the disturbing pattern of certain individuals who have been returned opting to undertake the dangerous trip once more following their rescue.
Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and welfare of Nigerians both at home and abroad.
She highlighted the importance of continuous cooperation with governmental bodies, NGOs, the press, and various stakeholders to enhance public awareness about the risks associated with illegal immigration.
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