Nigeria has received 180 citizens from Libya under an assisted voluntary return programme, with children and infants accounting for 37 of those who arrived in Lagos.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) received the returnees from Sebha, Libya, at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday.
The return was facilitated under the Assisted Voluntary Return Programme coordinated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Federal Government.
In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, NEMA said the returnees arrived aboard an Air Buraq Airlines flight with registration number 5A-BAE.
The group comprised 143 adults, including 75 men and 68 women; 26 children, made up of 12 boys and 14 girls; and 11 infants, comprising three boys and eight girls.
Officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service conducted biometric registration and documentation to establish the identities of the returnees.
NEMA said the returnees received immediate humanitarian assistance, including food, drinking water, medical screening, ambulance services for those requiring medical attention, luggage handling and logistical support.
They were also provided with reception coordination and counselling, while reintegration assistance was offered to help them return to their respective communities.
“Reintegration support was also provided to facilitate their return to their respective communities,” the agency said.
The reception involved relevant government agencies and partners working to ensure the returnees’ safe and dignified arrival and provide assistance following their return to Nigeria.
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