The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos Operations Office, on Tuesday received 165 Nigerian returnees from Tripoli, Libya, under the ongoing Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) programme coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The returnees arrived at about 5:13 p.m. on March 3, 2026, aboard an Al Buraq Airlines flight (registration number 5A-BAC), which landed at the Cargo Terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The reception exercise was conducted in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and other relevant agencies.
According to officials, the 165 returnees comprised 115 adults — 16 males and 99 females — 39 children (16 males and 23 females), and 20 infants, including 16 males and four females.
Upon arrival, personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service carried out biometric registration and documentation to ensure accurate record-keeping and facilitate reintegration processes.
NEMA and its partners provided immediate humanitarian assistance to the returnees, including food, potable water, medical screening and ambulance services for those requiring attention. The agency also coordinated luggage handling, logistics support and counselling services to guarantee a dignified and orderly reception.
Officials said the exercise reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safe, humane and orderly return of Nigerian nationals stranded abroad, while reinforcing multi-agency collaboration in migration management.
The operation, they added, underscores NEMA’s sustained mandate to safeguard the welfare of Nigerians and promote safe migration practices in line with national and international humanitarian standards.
