The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has announced the successful evacuation of over 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).
In a statement on Monday, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols at NiDCOM, said the returnees included 683 females, 132 males, 87 children, and 54 infants. They were repatriated in six batches between January and March 2025.
The statement reads in part, “Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) says over 956 Nigerians have been evacuated from Libya, in the first quarter of 2025 alone, courtesy of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria and the National Commission For Refugees Migrants And Internally Displaced Persons Offices (NCRMI).
“The breakdown shows that 683 of them were females, 132 males, 87 children and 54 infants.
“The returnees were brought back home in six tranches from January to March 2025.
“The six trips include 152 on January 28, 145,180 and 159 on February 11, 19 and 25 respectively, while 144 and 176 came in on March 4 and 18 respectively. And in the last few years, well over 15.000 stranded Nigerians have been evacuated back home by the federal government and the international organisation for migration.”
Dabiri-Erewa reiterated the Commission’s persistent advice to Nigerians to avoid dangerous and deadly migration routes such as Libya, a war-torn country.
“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.
She urged Nigerians to follow the legal and regular means of migration, noting that some rescued Nigerians from Libya still return to Libya or more dangerous routes to get into Europe.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasised that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting the interests, dignity, and fundamental human rights of Nigerians both at home and abroad, regardless of their socio-economic, ethnic, or religious backgrounds. She also called for increased collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, the media, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the dangers of irregular migration.
