In a concerted effort to address the plight of Nigerians stranded in Libya, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) played a pivotal role in coordinating the voluntary repatriation of 327 individuals on two chartered flights yesterday. The repatriation was conducted in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Nigeria’s Mission in Libya.
The first chartered flight, an Al Buraq aircraft with registration 5A-DAA, successfully landed at the Cargo Wing of Murtala Muhammad International Airport at approximately 1830 hours. The flight conveyed 162 returnees. Subsequently, the second flight, operated by Nouvellair and bearing registration TS-INT, touched down at approximately 1915 hours, bringing with it 165 returnees.
The detailed breakdown of the returnees includes 285 adults, 19 children, and 23 infants. Notably, among them were 222 young women, 13 female children, and 10 infant females, while the male contingent comprised 82 adult males, 6 male children, and 13 male infants.
Key government agencies involved in the repatriation process included the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the Refugee Commission. Their presence underscored the collaborative and multi-agency approach taken to ensure the safe return and reintegration of the repatriated Nigerians.
The successful execution of this repatriation effort reflects the commitment of NEMA, IOM, and other collaborating agencies to addressing the challenges faced by Nigerians abroad. This collaborative initiative aligns with broader efforts to safeguard the well-being and welfare of Nigerian citizens, particularly those stranded in precarious situations.
