The Federal Government has evacuated 956 Nigerians from Libya in the first three months of this year.
The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by its Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun.
She said 683 women, 132 men, 87 children, and 54 infants were repatriated in six batches in conjunction with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMI) between January and March this year.
The statement read: “Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) says over 956 Nigerians have been evacuated from Libya, in the first quarter of 2025 alone, courtesy of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria and the National Commission For Refugees Migrants And Internally Displaced Persons Offices (NCRMI).
“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 trips include 152 on January 28, 145,180 and 159 on February 11, 19, and 25 respectively, while 144 and 176 came in on March 4 and 18 respectively.
“And in the last few years, well over 15.000 stranded Nigerians have been evacuated back home by the federal government and the international organisation for migration.
“Dabiri-Erewa reiterated the Commission’s persistent advice to Nigerians to avoid dangerous and deadly migration routes such as Libya, a war-torn country.
“Because of the delicate political situation in Libya, we countlessly caution Nigerians to avoid Libya as a pathway to Europe; not just Libya but other irregular routes.
“She urged Nigerians to follow the legal and regular means of migration, noting that some rescued Nigerians from Libya still return to Libya or more dangerous routes to get into Europe.
“Hon. Dabiri-Erewa emphasised that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting the interests, dignity, and fundamental human rights of Nigerians both at home and abroad, regardless of their socio-economic, ethnic, or religious backgrounds.
“She also called for increased collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, the media, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the dangers of irregular migration.”