Nigeria secures release of 40 citizens detained by Libya for immigration offences

The Nigerian mission in Libya has secured the release of 40 Nigerians from the Bir Al-Ghanam detention facility in Libya.

According to NAN, Kabiru Musa, charge d’affaires of the Nigerian mission in Libya, said in a statement that they were detained for immigration offences.

Musa said he admonished them to return home and to refrain from irregular migration.

He also disclosed that they will continue to be catered for until they are repatriated.

“On Tuesday, June 27, 2023, the mission in its continuous consular assistance to Nigerians in Libya, secured the release of forty irregular migrants who were arrested for immigration offences and detained by Libyan immigration authorities for almost two months,” the statement reads.

“Among the arrested Nigerians are 34 females and six males who were detained at Bir Al-Ghanam detention facility that is about 150 miles from Tripoli, the capital city.

“It was discovered that most of them were lured into travelling to Libya for greener pastures by their would-be traffickers, but they ended up under exploitation and enforced labour.

“On arrival at the embassy, we received them, and admonished them on the need to return home with a promise never to embark on such deadly journey through the desert again.

“I also encouraged them to feel at home and be willing to give information about their traffickers and agents in Nigeria as well as in Libya, so that they can be arrested and punished for their crime against humanity.

“In the meantime, the mission will continue to cater for their needs including feeding, accommodation, clothing and medicals until they can be repatriated home through the international organisation for migration (IOM).”