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The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has received 147 Nigerians repatriated from Libya under the Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) programme facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the Nigerian Government.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Wednesday, NEMA disclosed that the returnees arrived at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard an Air Libya Airlines flight with registration number 5A-BAE at about 5:15 p.m. on October 21, 2025.
The Lagos Operations Office of NEMA coordinated the reception exercise in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.
According to the agency, the returnees included 100 adults — 32 males and 68 females — 34 children (18 males and 16 females), and 13 infants (5 males and 8 females).
. Credit: PUNCH
Officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) were present at the airport to conduct biometric registration and documentation to ensure proper identification and facilitate reintegration into society.
“In line with the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safe, dignified, and humane return of its citizens, the returnees were provided with food, potable water, medical care, ambulance services, counselling, and logistical support to aid their transition,” the statement read in part.
NEMA noted that the entire reception process was well-coordinated, efficient, and focused on the welfare and dignity of the returnees.
This latest batch is part of Nigeria’s ongoing reintegration efforts under the IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return programme, which helps migrants stranded abroad to voluntarily return home safely and rebuild their lives.
