Nigerians repatriated from 10 countries hit 13,635 in three years as authorities warn against irregular migration and fake job offers

No fewer than 13,635 stranded Nigerians have been repatriated from 10 countries over a three year period, according to data compiled from media reports and official records.

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Findings from the International Organisation for Migration, the National Emergency Management Agency and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission show that the Nigerians repatriated were returned from Libya, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Ghana, the Niger Republic, Algeria, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali.

In 2025 alone, a total of 3,358 stranded Nigerians were repatriated from five countries. Records indicate that 1,773 Nigerians were returned from Libya, while 1,188 came back from the Niger Republic.

Others included 140 from Sudan, 153 from Chad and 104 from Algeria.

The figures for 2024 revealed that 4,261 Nigerians were repatriated from seven countries. The breakdown showed 1,821 evacuees from Libya, 1,088 from the Niger Republic and 673 from Chad.

Additional returns included 338 from Mali, 190 from the United Arab Emirates, 122 from Ghana and 263 from Côte d’Ivoire, as well as 29 from Sudan.

Similarly, in 2023, a total of 5,753 stranded Nigerians were evacuated from four countries. Of this number, 2,849 were repatriated from Sudan, 1,916 from Libya and 975 from the Niger Republic, while 13 Nigerians were returned from Saudi Arabia.

The rising number of Nigerians repatriated has renewed concerns among government agencies over the dangers of irregular migration.

In 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated warnings to citizens, particularly young people, about fraudulent job offers that promise opportunities abroad.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, advised Nigerians to verify overseas employment offers through official and recognised channels before making any travel commitments.

Also speaking on the issue, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, cautioned youths against irregular migration, noting that while migration in its legal and regulated form is a natural part of human development, unsafe routes carry severe consequences.

Olawande explained that irregular migration, which occurs outside established legal and regulatory frameworks, poses serious risks to lives, communities and national development.

He stressed that the increasing number of Nigerians repatriated underscores the need for stronger awareness and safer migration pathways.

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The data highlights a troubling trend that continues to test Nigeria’s consular, humanitarian and migration management systems, even as authorities intensify efforts to protect citizens abroad.