A fresh batch of 180 Nigerian migrants, predominantly women and children, has safely arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos via a chartered flight from Libya.
The evacuation was facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) as part of its ongoing mission to combat irregular migration and provide critical aid to vulnerable returnees.
Prior to their return, many of the passengers had faced severe hardships, including exploitation, detention, and deep uncertainty during their attempts to migrate abroad.
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Upon landing, the IOM provided them with immediate necessities, including health screenings and counseling. The agency further noted that eligible individuals will be given reintegration support to assist them in restarting their lives.
“The latest operation is part of ongoing collaboration between the IOM, the Federal Government and international partners to facilitate voluntary returns and promote safer migration pathways,” the agency said in a statement.
Over the last nine years, the IOM has successfully rescued more than 65,500 stranded Nigerian migrants.
Speaking at a migration reporting workshop in Lagos, the agency revealed that over 30,000 of these returnees have been provided with psychological, social, and economic support to aid their rehabilitation.
Looking forward, the IOM emphasized that it is stepping up measures to promote legal and secure migration channels, while calling for increased public awareness and responsible media reporting on migration challenges.
This evacuation follows recent warnings from the Federal Government.
In May 2026, authorities strongly cautioned citizens against exiting the country without proper travel documentation due to the extreme dangers associated with irregular migration.
Reinforcing this stance, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) issued a public alert on X (formerly Twitter), reminding citizens that traveling without official clearance is illegal and highly risky.
The NIS emphasized that all international travel must involve a valid passport, required visas, and other authorized documents, warning that attempting to bypass official border routes violates Nigerian law.
