Abike Dabiri-Erewa
NIDCOM Reports Over 956 Nigerians Evacuated from Libya in Q1 2025, Warns Against Irregular Migration
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has revealed that more than 956 Nigerians were successfully evacuated from Libya in the first quarter of 2025.
The returnees were brought back in six batches between January and March, included 683 females, 132 males, 87 children, and 54 infants.
The evacuations were facilitated through a collaboration between the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Nigeria and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMI). According to a statement by NIDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the returnees arrived in the following batches:
– 152 on January 28
– 145 on February 11
– 180 on February 19
– 159 on February 25
– 144 on March 4
– 176 on March 18
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NIDCOM’s Chairman/CEO, noted that the Federal Government and IOM have repatriated over 15,000 stranded Nigerians in recent years.
She reiterated the commission’s warning against dangerous migration routes, particularly Libya, which remains unstable due to political turmoil.
“We continuously advise Nigerians to avoid Libya and other irregular pathways to Europe,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.
She expressed concern that some rescued migrants still attempt to return to Libya or take even riskier routes.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights, she urged stakeholders—including NGOs, media, and government agencies—to collaborate in raising awareness about the perils of irregular migration.
Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed the government’s dedication to safeguarding the dignity and welfare of all Nigerians, both at home and abroad, regardless of their background.
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