180 Nigerian returnees from Libya arrive in Lagos as the Federal Government and humanitarian partners provide medical care and reintegration support.

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), received 180 Nigerian returnees from Sebha, Libya, at the Cargo Terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos State, on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, under an assisted voluntary return programme coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The arrival, which took place at approximately 4.20 pm aboard an Air Buraq Airlines flight with registration number 5A-BAE, brought together government agencies and humanitarian partners to provide immediate assistance and support the returnees’ transition back into their communities.

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According to NEMA, the agency’s Lagos Operations Office coordinated the reception in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI). The exercise formed part of ongoing efforts to facilitate the safe and dignified return of Nigerians from Libya.

The group comprised 143 adults, including 75 men and 68 women, alongside 26 children, made up of 12 boys and 14 girls, and 11 infants, comprising three boys and eight girls.

The figures highlight the varied needs of the returning group, particularly the importance of appropriate care for young children and infants.

On arrival, officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) conducted biometric registration and documentation to establish the identities of the returnees, maintain accurate records and support subsequent reintegration arrangements.

“Upon arrival, officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service conducted biometric registration and documentation to establish the identities of the returnees, maintain accurate records and facilitate subsequent reintegration processes,” NEMA said in its statement.

The returnees also received immediate humanitarian assistance, including food, potable water and medical screening.

Ambulance services were made available for those requiring medical attention, while officials provided luggage handling, logistical assistance, reception coordination and counselling.

NEMA said reintegration support was also provided to help the returnees return to their respective communities. However, the agency’s statement did not specify the individual support packages available, the number of people requiring medical attention or the locations to which the returnees were transported after the reception.

The latest arrival follows several similar operations this year, illustrating the continued role of international cooperation in helping Nigerians return from Libya.

In July 2026, NEMA reported receiving 148 returnees from Benghazi under the same assisted voluntary return framework, with immigration documentation, medical screening and reintegration support provided on arrival.

In a separate operation reported in June, the International Organization for Migration said it had facilitated the return of 182 Nigerians from Libya in partnership with the Federal Government. Speaking about the wider challenges facing returning migrants, IOM Lagos Sub-Office Head Ali Ibrahim said: “Today there is relief, but return is only the first step.”

The observation reflects a central challenge facing returnees: reaching home safely is an important milestone, but rebuilding a stable life can require sustained assistance beyond the airport reception.

A January 2026 report by the European Union Agency for Asylum highlighted the role of government institutions, international organisations and civil society in supporting the reintegration of Nigerian returnees.

The report identified counselling, family reunification, shelter and other tailored services as important elements of assistance, while noting that limited funding and gaps in identifying vulnerable people can restrict access to support.
European Union Agency for Asylum

Against that background, the assistance provided to the 180 Nigerian returnees represents an important immediate intervention, although its longer-term impact will depend partly on the support available after their arrival.

NEMA did not provide details of the individual circumstances that led the group to return from Sebha or disclose how many would require further specialist assistance.

The agency said the reception exercise involved relevant government institutions and partners working together to ensure a safe and dignified arrival.

For the adults, children and infants who arrived in Lagos, the next stage will be the transition from immediate humanitarian assistance to life in their respective communities.

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The operation offers a welcome point of return for the 180 Nigerians, while underscoring the importance of consistent, practical reintegration support to help returning migrants regain stability and move forward.