Nearly 1,000 Nigerians Evacuated from Libya in 2025

A total of 956 Nigerians have been evacuated from Libya so far this year, with the assistance of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMI).

The returnees, which include 683 women, 132 men, 87 children, and 54 infants, were brought back in six separate trips between January and March 2025. The first return flight took place on January 28, followed by several others in February and March. This ongoing effort is part of the Nigerian Federal Government’s commitment to supporting Nigerians stranded abroad.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), reiterated the commission’s constant warnings about the dangers of irregular migration routes, particularly through Libya. A war-torn country, Libya remains a major transit point for many trying to reach Europe, often through perilous and deadly journeys. Dabiri-Erewa stressed that Nigerians should avoid such dangerous routes, and emphasized the importance of legal and regulated migration.

In her statement, Dabiri-Erewa underscored the Federal Government’s dedication to safeguarding the rights and dignity of Nigerians both at home and abroad. She called for enhanced cooperation with government agencies, NGOs, and the media to raise awareness about the risks of irregular migration and promote safer, legal alternatives. Over the past few years, more than 15,000 stranded Nigerians have been brought back to their homeland through similar evacuations.