Nigeria: Nema, IOM Receive 145 Returnees From Libya

31 March 2026

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with the International Office for Migration (IOM) has received 145 Nigerian returnees from Benghazi, Libya, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Head of Lagos Operations Office, NEMA, Mr Mohammed Olatunde, and made available to newsmen in Lagos.

Olatunde said the returnees arrived at about 8:27 p.m. aboard an Al Buraq Airlines flight as part of the Assisted Voluntary Return programme.

According to him, the programme is facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration in collaboration with the federal government.

Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines

"The breakdown shows 122 adults, comprising 46 males and 76 females.

"It also includes 29 children, with 13 males and 16 females.

"A total of 27 infants were received, comprising 17 males and 10 females," Olatunde said.

He said the officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service conducted biometric registration and documentation of the returnees upon arrival.

"This is to ensure proper identification and facilitate their reintegration into the country.

"The returnees were provided with food and potable water to meet immediate needs.

"They also received medical care and ambulance services for those requiring attention.

"Other support included luggage handling, logistics assistance, and counselling services," Olatunde said.

NEMA said the measures were to ensure a safe, dignified and coordinated reception process. (NAN)

AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 90 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.