NEMA receives 203 stranded Nigerians from Libya, Two Hospitalised

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has received 203 Nigerian nationals who were stranded in Libya, as part of ongoing efforts to repatriate vulnerable citizens.

The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Monday aboard a chartered Al Buraq Boeing aircraft, with registration number 5A-BAC. They were received by officials from NEMA, alongside representatives of other relevant agencies.

Among the returnees were 50 adult males, 96 adult females, 29 children, and 28 infants. Their repatriation was facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) through its Voluntary Humanitarian Repatriation initiative, in collaboration with Nigerian authorities including the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Nigeria Immigration Service, Department of State Services (DSS), Port Health Services, and the Nigeria Police Force.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, NEMA disclosed that two of the returnees required urgent medical attention upon arrival and were promptly taken to New Ikeja Hospital for treatment.

The agency further noted that all returnees were profiled and underwent biometric registration at the airport before being transferred to the Igando IDP Resettlement Centre, where they are expected to participate in a reintegration programme to support their return to normal life.

This latest exercise forms part of ongoing efforts to assist Nigerians facing hardship in Libya and to ensure their safe and dignified return home.