In collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a United Nations agency, the Libyan Government's Department for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM) in the Southern Region has repatriated 166 Nigerian migrants under a voluntary repatriation program. This joint effort aims to safely return migrants to their home country, providing them with a secure and dignified passage.
This operation, conducted at Sabha International Airport, aimed to assist stranded Nigerian nationals in returning to their home country safely and securely.
The announcement regarding this initiative was shared via the X account of Migrant Rescue Watch on Wednesday, confirming that the migrants were transported back to Nigeria from the southern Libyan city of Sabha.
This repatriation effort follows a recent incident that highlighted the challenges faced by Nigerian migrants in Libya. A young Nigerian woman, identified as Omowunmi, who is reportedly in her early twenties and hails from Ondo State, released a distressing video on social media in which she appealed for urgent assistance.
In her video, Omowunmi detailed her struggles with a severe ulcer and homelessness, claiming that her guardian had abandoned her in Libya. She stated, “I am very sick and I need to return to Nigeria. I require assistance from my fellow Nigerians. Please show compassion towards me.” She further indicated that her illness had deteriorated due to inadequate nutrition and lack of medical care.
Omowunmi’s plea underscores the significant challenges encountered by many migrants who depart Nigeria in search of better opportunities in North Africa, only to find themselves in precarious circumstances.
She reported that her guardian had confiscated her SIM card, rendering her unable to contact her family and that her numerous attempts to recover funds owed to her had been disregarded. Abdur-Rahman Balogun, spokesperson for the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), advised Omowunmi to seek immediate assistance from the Nigerian embassy in Libya.
