The Federal Government has initiated fresh diplomatic efforts to secure the release and repatriation of Nigerians detained in various prisons and migrant camps across Libya. The move comes as the Senate raises alarm over reports of human rights abuses and modern-day slavery affecting Nigerian citizens in the North African nation.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed on Friday that the government is working with key international partners to ensure the safe evacuation of those affected.
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“We are working on the situation. Engagements are underway with relevant authorities to bring Nigerians home from deportation centres and prisons in Libya,” Ebienfa said.
The Ministry also cautioned Nigerians, especially job seekers, to be wary of fraudulent travel and employment offers that often lead to illegal migration and exploitation.
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Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reaffirmed that repatriation missions are ongoing in collaboration with international migration agencies. However, NEMA spokesperson Manzo Ezekiel emphasized that constant evacuation is not a long-term solution, urging stronger public sensitization to discourage irregular migration through North Africa.
According to NEMA, hundreds of Nigerians have already been evacuated from Libya this year, while many others remain trapped in detention centres.
The renewed government effort follows an outcry by the Nigerian Senate, which condemned reports of Nigerian women and children being subjected to inhumane treatment in Libyan camps.
During plenary, Senator Aniekan Bassey (Cross River South) raised a motion citing widespread cases of trafficking, sexual abuse, forced labour, and killings involving Nigerians in Libya. He described the country as a “death corridor” for migrants attempting to cross into Europe.
Lawmakers including Senators Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Asuquo Ekpenyong called for urgent diplomatic engagement through the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, and the United Nations (UN) to rescue Nigerians and establish reintegration plans for returnees.
The Senate also urged the Federal Government to provide counselling, skill training, and financial support for repatriated citizens to help them rebuild their lives.
With more than 1,000 Nigerians already repatriated in the first quarter of 2025, officials say more are expected to return as negotiations progress.
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