The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has received 147 Nigerians who were stranded in Libya under the Assisted Voluntary Return programme facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Federal Government.
NEMA announced the development on Wednesday via X, stating that the returnees arrived at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard an Air Libya flight with registration number 5A-BAE around 5:15 p.m. on October 21, 2025.
The agency explained that the repatriation exercise was coordinated by its Lagos Operations Office, working closely with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons.
According to NEMA, the group consisted of 100 adults — 32 males and 68 females — along with 34 children (18 boys and 16 girls) and 13 infants (5 boys and 8 girls). Officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service were present to conduct biometric registration and documentation to ensure proper identification and reintegration into society.
The agency added that the returnees were provided with food, clean water, medical attention, ambulance services, counselling, and logistical support as part of the government’s efforts to ensure their safe and dignified return.
“The entire reception process was well-coordinated, efficient, and centred on the welfare and dignity of all returnees,” NEMA stated.
