Another 330 stranded Nigerians evacuated from Libya

In collaboration with the federal government, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has evacuated another 330 stranded Nigerians in Libya.

The Charge d’ Affairs of the Nigerian Mission in Libya, Kabiru Musa, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to Mr Musa, the 330 evacuees from Tripoli and Libya are expected to arrive at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday night in separate flights.

He disclosed that almost 1,000 stranded Nigerians had been evacuated from Libya in November alone, reiterating the Nigerian government’s commitment not to leave any stranded Nigerian behind in Libya.

“Following successful evacuation exercises and the high number of stranded Nigerians in Libya, the IOM in collaboration with the embassy of Nigeria in Tripoli airlifted 158 Nigerians from Benghazi and 172 others from Tripoli on Wednesday,” he explained. “The Benghazi chartered flight no. UZ389 departed Benghazi airport at 15.00 hours local time and is expected to arrive Murtala Mohammed international airport, Lagos at 22.00 hours.”

He added that on the other hand, the Tripoli chartered flight number UZ0190 left Mitiga international airport at 18.00 local time and was expected to arrive at the Lagos international airport at 23.30 hours.

“A total number of 330 Nigerians were evacuated, including men, women and children. Some of the returnees were in Libya’s detention centres for immigration offences while others were either rescued victims of human trafficking or irregular migrants on voluntary return,” stated Mr Musa. “The exercises were carried out successfully in full compliance with COVID-19 protocol. All the returnees are expected to spend few days at IOM’s provided facilities before their reintegration into the society.”

Mr Musa also assured that the exercise would be ongoing until Nigerians who stand in need while in Libya are supported to reunite with their families at home.

Credit: PG