The Federal Government in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration has rescued 145 stranded Nigerians from Libya under the IOM Voluntary Humanitarian Return programme.

This is contained in a statement on Monday by Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Mission in Libya, Ambassador Kabiru Musa.

According to Mr Musa, the stranded Nigerians were in various detention centres for living illegally in Libya and without travel documents.

The envoy said that the Federal Government with the support of IOM evacuated the irregular migrants who expressed willingness to return home after facing difficulties while in detention.

He explained that the exercise was part of the Federal Government’s continuing efforts at ensuring that no Nigerian citizen was left to suffer in a foreign land.

Mr Musa said that the evacuees who departed from the Mitiga International Airport in Libya on Monday were expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Monday evening.

“Today, 145 stranded Nigerians were evacuated from Mitiga Airport, Libya, aboard chartered flight No UZ 189, and are expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Monday evening. The evacuees include 119 women and 26 men.

“Upon arrival, they will be received by relevant agencies who will ensure their rehabilitation and safe reintegration into society,” Mr Musa stated.

Mr Musa stated that the Federal Government would continue to work with IOM to repatriate stranded Nigerians in Libya under the Voluntary Humanitarian Return programme.

(NAN)