Libya Sends Back 80 Nigerians in Fresh Migration Crackdown

Libya has deported 80 Nigerians for illegally residing in the North African Nation, marking another wave in the Country’s intensified clampdown on undocumented migrants.

The individuals were arrested during coordinated security operations across major cities, including Tripoli and Benghazi, before being processed and placed on a repatriation flight to Nigeria on Thursday.

Sources within the Nigerian Mission in Libya said most of the returnees had attempted to use Libya as a transit point to Europe without proper documentation, while others overstayed their visas or engaged in unauthorized work.

A consular official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that basic humanitarian support was provided before their departure. He appealed to Nigerians to avoid unsafe migration routes that often expose them to detention, exploitation, or abuse at the hands of smugglers.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has continued facilitating voluntary returns, but officials say thousands still fall prey to traffickers promising illegal passage to Europe.

This latest repatriation adds to the rising number of Nigerians expelled from Libya this year, as authorities intensify immigration enforcement under pressure to curb irregular migration.

On arrival in Nigeria, the deportees will undergo profiling and be handed over to their respective State officials for reintegration support.