The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has received another batch of 180 Nigerian migrants evacuated from Libya as part of ongoing efforts to tackle irregular migration and assist vulnerable citizens stranded abroad.
According to the IOM, the returnees, made up largely of women and children, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos aboard a chartered flight from Libya.
The United Nations migration agency said many of those evacuated had faced harsh conditions during their migration journeys, including detention, exploitation and prolonged uncertainty.
The latest evacuation forms part of a wider collaboration between the IOM, the Federal Government and international partners aimed at facilitating voluntary returns while promoting safer migration pathways.
Upon arrival, the returnees received health screenings, counselling and immediate humanitarian assistance. The agency added that eligible beneficiaries would also be supported through reintegration programmes designed to help them rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
Speaking during a migration reporting workshop in Lagos, the IOM disclosed that it had assisted more than 65,500 stranded Nigerian migrants to return home over the past nine years.
The organisation further revealed that over 30,000 returnees have benefited from psychological, social and economic support services to aid their reintegration into society.
As part of its ongoing advocacy, the IOM said it is intensifying campaigns to encourage safe and legal migration while calling for greater public awareness and responsible reporting on migration-related issues.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the dangers associated with irregular migration routes.
In May 2026, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) warned Nigerians against travelling abroad without valid travel documents. The agency stressed that all international travel must be undertaken with approved passports, visas where required, and other authorised immigration documents.
The NIS also cautioned that bypassing official border procedures or using unauthorised routes violates Nigerian law and exposes travellers to significant risks.
