Libyan authorities have repatriated 80 Nigerian migrants who were held in various detention centers across the country, as part of ongoing efforts to control irregular migration and reduce overcrowding in holding facilities.
The Department for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM), working closely with the Nigerian Consulate in Tripoli, coordinated the deportation process through Mitiga International Airport on Wednesday.
Migrant Rescue Watch, an organisation monitoring migrant welfare and human rights in Libya, confirmed that the deportation followed orders issued by the Libyan Judicial Police.
“The Nigerians were initially detained in several facilities across Libya before being securely transferred to Tripoli for their scheduled repatriation flight,” the group stated.
The operation was conducted in partnership with Nigerian consular officials to ensure proper documentation and provision of consular support to the returnees before their departure.
These 80 individuals are among hundreds of African migrants held in Libya for attempting irregular crossings of the Mediterranean Sea towards Europe.
Libya remains a key transit country for migrants escaping poverty, conflict, and instability in sub-Saharan Africa, seeking better prospects in Europe.
Human rights organisations have consistently raised alarms over the harsh conditions, overcrowding, and mistreatment of migrants in Libyan detention camps, calling on African and European governments to enhance safe migration pathways and address the root causes of irregular migration.
