The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) on Tuesday received 180 Nigerian migrants who voluntarily returned from Libya under the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme supported by the European Union.
The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos from Benghazi, Libya, where many had been stranded under difficult circumstances.
Speaking at the airport, the Head of Sub office IOM Lagos, Ali Ibrahim said the return operation was carried out in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria and other partners to provide humanitarian assistance and support for the migrants’ reintegration into society.
According to him, the group comprised 153 women, 25 men and two unaccompanied minors.
About 50 of the returnees were evacuated directly from detention centres in Libya, while the others had been living in and around Benghazi before opting to return home.
Upon arrival, the returnees received immediate assistance, including health screening, psychosocial support, first aid and other emergency services.
The support is designed to address their immediate needs and ensure a smooth transition back into their communities.
Beyond reception assistance, the AVRR programme also provides long-term reintegration support aimed at helping returnees rebuild their lives.
This includes livelihood opportunities, business start-up assistance, educational support and other forms of intervention tailored to individual needs.
The IOM representative explained that voluntary return applies to migrants who choose to return to their countries of origin after finding themselves in vulnerable or stranded situations abroad.
“Migration is a choice. Returning home does not prevent anyone from travelling again in the future.
“What we promote is safe and informed migration so that people can make the right decisions before embarking on migration journeys,” the official said.
The organisation noted that the programme has been running since 2017 and has facilitated the voluntary return of approximately 65,700 Nigerians from various countries.
Of that figure, about 7,625 Nigerians have returned through the programme in 2026 alone.
IOM also disclosed that repatriation flights from Libya continue on a regular basis, with charter operations arriving almost weekly in Lagos and Kano.
In addition, some returnees arrive through commercial flights at different entry points across the country, including Abuja.
The latest evacuation highlights ongoing efforts by humanitarian agencies and government partners to assist vulnerable migrants while promoting safer migration pathways and sustainable reintegration for those returning home.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
