The Libyan authorities have repatriates 159 Nigerian migrants stranded after failing to reach Europe, in the 2nd such voluntary repatriation operation this week.
Deported Nigerians
A total of 159 Nigerian migrants who were reportedly stranded after failing to reach Europe, have been repatriated by Libyan authorities as they arrive the country on Thursday.
While speaking with AFP at Mitiga airport during the deportation, Badreddine Ben Hamed, head of Libya’s anti-illegal immigration force, said; “In coordination with the IOM (International Organization for Migration), we are repatriating 159 Nigerians… including three infants.”
The Nigerians, wearing tracksuits and new sneakers, were driven to the airport near the Libyan capital in two buses.
A woman called Fate, carrying a baby in her arms told reporters; “I wish I could go to Europe but I can’t.” While another Nigerian woman, said; “I’m happy to be going home.”
IOM head, William Lacy Swing, who was in Tripoli on Wednesday, visited a reception centre for migrants accompanied by the UN special envoy for Libya, Martin Kobler.
“We can no longer turn our back on the communities affected by the current migration crisis in Libya", said Swing, who met with Libyan officials.
Kobler said it was “a humanitarian imperative” to improve the living conditions of migrants and help with repatriations. “Voluntary return must be assisted,” he wrote on Twitter.