The Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM), in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has successfully repatriated over 150 Nigerian migrants, predominantly women and children, through Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli.
Migrant Rescue Watch, an advocacy organization focused on migrant issues, shared the news on Tuesday via a post on X (formerly Twitter), confirming the repatriation operation. According to their statement, “DCIM, with the support of IOM, repatriated over 150 Nigerian migrants, primarily women and children, via Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli.”
The repatriation comes as part of ongoing efforts to provide support and safe return options for migrants stranded in Libya. This development highlights the continued challenges faced by Nigerian migrants attempting to cross through North Africa, often subjected to exploitation and harsh conditions.
Additionally, the Libyan authorities recently arrested four Nigerians in Sabha and Bani Walid, on charges of drug trafficking and involvement in infectious disease cases. This underscores the complexities surrounding illegal migration in the region, where migrants often find themselves in precarious situations.
This operation marks another step in the coordinated efforts between Nigeria, Libya, and international organizations to address the humanitarian concerns linked to irregular migration.
