The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has facilitated the voluntary return of 180 stranded Nigerian migrants from Libya, as efforts continue to address the plight of thousands trapped along dangerous migration routes in North Africa.
The returnees arrived in Nigeria aboard a chartered flight coordinated by the UN migration agency under its Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration programme. The group included women, children and vulnerable migrants who had faced difficult living conditions in Libya.
According to the IOM, the evacuation forms part of ongoing humanitarian efforts to provide safe and dignified pathways home for migrants stranded in conflict-affected and transit countries.
Libya remains a major departure point for migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe, with many facing exploitation, abuse and detention while in transit.
Nigerian authorities and international partners have reiterated calls for stronger measures to combat human trafficking networks and expand opportunities for safe, legal migration.
