191 Nigerian migrants voluntarily repatriated from Libya

A total of 191 Nigerian migrants, including 111 women, have been voluntarily repatriated from Libya, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed on Wednesday, according to The North Africa Post. The return flight was organized from the southern Libyan city of Sebha to Lagos, Nigeria.

The operation falls under the European Union’s Migrant Protection, Return, and Reintegration program, which offers safe and voluntary return options to stranded migrants across North Africa—many of whom face dangerous and unstable conditions due to Libya’s ongoing conflict.

Since the 2011 collapse of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime, Libya has remained a key transit point for migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean into Europe. Thousands of migrants face harsh realities, including exploitation and detention, while trapped in Libya.

According to IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix, over 760,000 migrants from 44 nationalities were recorded in 100 Libyan municipalities in 2024. While some African migrants have opted for voluntary return, UNHCR data shows that many others remain unwilling or unable to go home.

Libyan authorities continue to urge the EU and partner nations for greater support to curb irregular migration and strengthen border management.