Another batch of Nigerians repatriated from Libya on Tuesday

By Lizzy Okoji

The Embassy of Nigeria in Tripoli, Libya, on Wednesday, repatriated another batch of 107 Nigerians stranded in Libya in continuation of its rescue operations to ensure no Nigerian is stranded in the country.

Mr Kabiru Musa, Chargé D’affaires en titre of Nigeria to Libya disclosed this in statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.

According Musa, the 107 evacuees, mostly victims of human trafficking were expected to arrive the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Wednesday night.

Musa said that the Nigerian mission in Libya had made it a priority to ensure no Nigerian was left stranded in Libya or subjected to inhuman treatment.

“The evacuees, mostly young men and women were either irregular migrants or victims of human trafficking, some of whom were cajoled into the dangerous journey in search of proverbial and elusive greener pasture.

“The evacuation exercise was carried out by NAF aircraft C-130 H which arrived same day with all the 107 passengers at Nnamdi International airport at 12 midnight (Nigerian time).

“In compliance with COVID-19 regulations, a day before their departure from Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli, all the passengers took the mandatory PCR test for coronavirus and only those with negative results were allowed to board the aircraft.

“With sustained coordination of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and support of Ministry of Defence, the Mission will continue to render usual consular assistance to Nigerians in difficult circumstances in Libya,” Musa stated.

Musa  also appreciated the cooperation of the Libyan authorities for the successful evacuation exercise.

The mission had earlier evacuated 100 stranded Nigerians on Aug. 13.