The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) welcomed 203 vulnerable Nigerians stranded in Libya, who arrived at the Cargo Terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Monday. The group, comprising 50 adult males, 96 adult females, 29 children, and 28 infants, was transported aboard a chartered Al Buraq Boeing aircraft, registration number 5A-BAC.
The repatriation was facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) through its voluntary humanitarian repatriation programme, in collaboration with NEMA, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Nigeria Immigration Service, Department of State Services (DSS), Port Health Services, and the Nigeria Police Force.
Upon arrival, NEMA reported that two returnees required urgent medical attention and were promptly transferred to New Ikeja Hospital for treatment. The remaining returnees underwent mandatory profiling and biometric registration before being transported to the Igando IDP Resettlement Centre in Lagos, where they will participate in a reintegration programme to support their transition back into society.
In a statement on Tuesday, NEMA emphasized the collaborative efforts behind the operation, noting, “The returnees were offered necessary assistance by IOM with the support of NEMA, NCFRMI, Nigeria Immigration, DSS, Port Health, and the Nigeria Police Force.” The agency also confirmed the safe relocation of the group to the resettlement centre for further reintegration support.
