The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with the Nigerian Mission in Tripoli, has successfully evacuated 137 stranded Nigerians, who were irregular migrants, from Libya.

Kabiru Musa, Chargé D’affaires en titre of the Nigerian Mission to Libya, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Mr Musa said the 137 returnees departed Misrata, Libya, on October 24 at 2:30 p.m. aboard a chattered flight No. UZ189 and were expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at 5:00 p.m (Nigerian Time).

According to him, the returnees include 76 male adults, 52 female adults, four children, and five infants.

Mr Musa said the evacuation exercise was part of the federal government citizen’s diplomacy drive.

“This is part of efforts to assist Nigerians in difficult circumstances to return home and reunite with their families,” he said.

He explained that the returnees were irregular migrants and mostly victims of human trafficking.

“While measures are in place to fight the criminal gangs that indulge in the illicit trade in human beings, rescue efforts and the repatriation exercise will be ongoing as part of the mission’s consular responsibilities to Nigerian citizens.

“So far, nearly 3,000 Nigerians were returned to Nigeria from Libya between January and October through the IOM’s voluntary humanitarian return programme,” Mr Musa stated.

He said arrangements had been made with relevant federal government agencies and International organisations to ensure the rehabilitation and reintegration of the returnees upon arrival to the country.

(NAN)