The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) have received 175 Nigerian returnees from Libya under the Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) Programme.
The returnees arrived at approximately 4:32 p.m. on Monday, November 9, 2026, aboard an Air Buraq Airlines flight, registration number 5A-BAE, which landed at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
The exercise was coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The returnees were evacuated from Misrata, Libya, and comprised 167 adults, including 109 males and 58 females, four children made up of three males and one female, one male infant and three persons with medical conditions, comprising one male and two females.
Upon arrival, officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) conducted biometric registration and documentation to establish the identities of the returnees, ensure proper record-keeping and facilitate their reintegration.
NEMA, through its Lagos Operations Office, in collaboration with NCFRMI, provided immediate humanitarian assistance, including food, potable water, medical screening and ambulance services for those requiring medical attention.
Other support services included luggage handling, logistical assistance, reception coordination and counselling to address the immediate needs of the returnees.
The agencies also provided reintegration support to facilitate the returnees’ transition into their respective communities and help them rebuild their lives.
NEMA said the reception exercise was successfully conducted through effective collaboration among the participating agencies, ensuring the safe, orderly and dignified arrival of the Nigerian returnees.
