956 Nigerians rescued from Libya in three months, NiDCOM warns against Irregular migration

March 24, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has successfully evacuated 956 Nigerians from Libya in the first quarter of 2025.

The rescue missions were conducted in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Nigeria and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMI).

The returnees, who were repatriated in six batches between January and March 2025, comprised 683 females, 132 males, 87 children, and 54 infants.

According to NiDCOM’s Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, “over 956 Nigerians have been evacuated from Libya… courtesy of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria and the National Commission For Refugees Migrants And Internally Displaced Persons Offices (NCRMI)”

Dabiri-Erewa reiterated the Commission’s warning to Nigerians to avoid using Libya as a migration route to Europe, citing the country’s delicate political situation and the dangers of irregular migration.

“Because of the delicate political situation in Libya, we countlessly caution Nigerians to avoid Libya as a pathway to Europe; not just Libya but other irregular routes,” she said

The NiDCOM boss urged Nigerians to explore legal and regular means of migration, noting that some rescued Nigerians from Libya still attempt to return to Libya or take even more dangerous routes to get into Europe.

She emphasized that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting the interests, dignity, and fundamental human rights of Nigerians both at home and abroad.

In the last few years, over 15,000 stranded Nigerians have been repatriated from Libya and other transit countries through efforts by the Federal Government and international organizations.