NEMA Receives 177 Nigerian Returnees from Libya

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos Operations Office, in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI)have received 177 Nigerian returnees from Misrata, Libya.

The move under the Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) Programme facilitated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The returnees arrived at about 7:35 p.m. on June 22 aboard an Air Buraq Airlines flight, registration number 5A-BAE, which landed at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos State.

The returnees comprised 151 adults, including 66 males and 85 females, 14 children made up of eight males and six females, as well as 12 infants comprising five males and seven females.

Upon arrival, officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) conducted biometric registration and documentation to ensure proper record-keeping and facilitate the reintegration process of the returnees.

In line with the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safe, dignified and humane return of its citizens, the returnees were provided with immediate humanitarian assistance, including food and potable water, medical screening and ambulance services for those requiring medical attention, luggage handling and logistics support, as well as coordination and counselling services aimed at ensuring an orderly reception and smooth reintegration.

The reception exercise was coordinated by NEMA in collaboration with key stakeholders, including the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Port Health Services, the Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant agencies.

The exercise forms part of the Federal Government’s continued efforts to protect the rights and welfare of Nigerians returning from distressed situations abroad and to support their reintegration into society.