154 Nigerians deported from Libya

file photo

No fewer than 154 Nigerians were yesterday deported from Libya.Immigration sources hinted that they arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos at about 4.00 pm.

The return of the deportees, sources hinted, was facilitated by the assistance of the International Office for Migration (IOM).

The IOM has been instrumental for the voluntary return of many Nigerians trapped in the crisis that has engulfed Libya for some years now.Apart from those trapped in the Libyan crisis, some of the deportees also include those trying to make their way to Europe.

According to the Nation, the deportees arrived on board a Libyan Airline aircraft, an Airbus A330-200 with registration number 5A-LAT.

On hand to receive them were officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Police, the Air Force and the IOM.

The returnees comprised 96 women and 58 men. There were nine pregnant women, three minors and three others with medical challenges.

An IOM doctor, Abusrewi Zakariya, was also on board to provide first aid to the sick ones.

Head of IOM in Lagos, Nahashon Maina Thuo, said yesterday’s repatriation was the fourth this year that the organisation would assist Nigerians who volunteered to return home after they were stranded in Libya.