Over 956 Nigerians Rescued from Libya in Q1 2025
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has successfully evacuated 956 Nigerians from Libya in the first quarter of 2025.
This rescue mission was carried out in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Nigeria and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMI).
The returnees comprise 683 females, 132 males, 87 children, and 54 infants. They were repatriated in six batches between January and March 2025, with the following arrival dates:
- January 28: 152 returnees
- February 11: 145 returnees
- February 19: 180 returnees
- February 25: 159 returnees
- March 4: 144 returnees
- March 18: 176 returnees
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, reiterated the Commission’s warning to Nigerians to avoid using Libya as a migration route to Europe.
She emphasized that Libya’s delicate political situation makes it an unsafe destination for migrants. Instead, Nigerians are urged to explore legal and regular means of migration.
Dabiri-Erewa assured that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting the interests, dignity, and fundamental human rights of Nigerians both at home and abroad.
She also called for increased collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, the media, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the dangers of irregular migration.
This rescue effort brings the total number of stranded Nigerians evacuated from Libya and other transit countries to over 15,000 in recent years.
