The government of Nigeria ghas evacuated no fewer than 147 migrants including 13 children stranded in Libya.
The returnees left Tripoli International Airport on Tuesday via the chartered flight UZ 189, with an expected arrival at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, later that evening.
Confirming the development, Amb. Kabiru Musa, Charge d’Affaires En Titre of the Nigerian Mission in Libya said the evacuation was made possible in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
He said, “Under the continuous evacuation exercise of the Federal Government, which is supported by the IOM in Libya, We successfully evacuated another batch of 147 irregular Nigerian migrants who were stranded in Libya.
“The evacuees included 78 males, 55 females, 13 children, and one infant.
“They departed Libya successfully and are expected to arrive at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, where they will be received by relevant officials.
“We would continue to evacuate stranded Nigerians who have expressed willingness to return to Nigeria under the IOM’s Voluntary Humanitarian Repatriation (VHR) programme, in line with the ‘renewed hope’ agenda of the present administration to ensure all citizens have a better life.
“We are also pleased with the regular repatriation exercise, which shows that a lot of Nigerians are willing to return home to contribute to the nation’s development.”