Abuja, Nigeria – (African Boulevard News) – On Tuesday, June 20, Libyan authorities deported approximately 165 Nigerians back to their home country. Among the 165 individuals deported, there were 100 Nigerian migrants who were seeking to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe.
Libya has been a common starting point for migrants who are looking to enter Europe through the Mediterranean Sea. The country has been a transit point for thousands of migrants seeking to flee from poverty and war in their home countries. The United Nations has reported that thousands of people have lost their lives while attempting the perilous journey across the Mediterranean Sea.
In recent years, there has been an increase in forced returns of migrants from Libya to their home countries. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have documented the deportation and repatriation of thousands of migrants.
According to the Nigerian government, the country has received over 10,522 citizens who have voluntarily returned from Libya since 2017. Some of the returnees were subjected to inhumane treatment, including torture, enslavement, and sexual abuse.
The Nigerian government has made it clear that it is working to ensure that its citizens are not subjected to inhuman treatment and forced repatriation. Speaking on the issue, the Chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, stated: “We are working on addressing the root causes of migration by creating jobs and other economic opportunities for our youths.”
She added, “We are also looking to engage with our international partners in creating policies that will enable legal migration while discouraging irregular migration and trafficking.”
The Nigerian government has also urged its citizens to avoid traveling to Libya and other dangerous transit nations. Additionally, the government is working to ensure that its citizens are aware of the risks associated with irregular migration.
In conclusion, the deportation of 165 Nigerians from Libya highlights the dangers of irregular migration. The Nigerian government must continue to work with its international partners to address the root causes of migration while creating economic opportunities for its citizens. It is also vital that Nigerians are informed about the dangers associated with irregular migration, and urged to avoid such risky journeys.
