Over 956 Nigerians Rescued from Libya in Three Months, NiDCOM Warns Against Irregular Migration

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has announced the successful evacuation of 956 Nigerians from Libyan detention centers in the first quarter of 2025, highlighting the ongoing dangers of irregular migration routes through war-torn regions.

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, emphasizing the Commission’s continuous efforts in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMI).

According to the breakdown, the returnees included 683 females, 132 males, 87 children, and 54 infants. The evacuations were carried out in six batches between January and March: 152 on January 28, 145 on February 11, 180 on February 19, 159 on February 25, 144 on March 4, and 176 on March 18.

Dabiri-Erewa noted that over 15,000 stranded Nigerians have been brought back from Libya in recent years through the coordinated efforts of the Federal Government and the IOM.

Reiterating her concern over the dangers of irregular migration, Dabiri-Erewa warned Nigerians against using unsafe migration routes, especially through Libya. “Because of the delicate political situation in Libya, we have countlessly cautioned Nigerians to avoid Libya as a pathway to Europe not just Libya, but other irregular routes as well,” she said.

She urged Nigerians to pursue legal and safe migration options, lamenting that some returnees often make attempts to re-enter Libya or take even riskier routes to Europe.

Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, both at home and abroad. She also called on government agencies, NGOs, the media, and other stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns on the dangers of irregular migration.