Federal Government and IOM Coordinate Repatriation of 145 Stranded Nigerian Nationals from Benghazi via Lagos Airport

NEMA receives 145 Nigerian returnees from Benghazi, providing medical aid and counseling at Lagos airport under the Assisted Voluntary Return programme.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 31, 2026, 5:48 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from NewsDiary Online

Repatriation Flight Touches Down at Murtala Muhammed International

A group of 145 Nigerian nationals arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja on Tuesday, marking the latest phase of a coordinated humanitarian effort to return citizens stranded abroad. According to Mohammed Olatunde, the Head of NEMA’s Lagos Operations Office, the returnees arrived at approximately 8:27 p.m. aboard an Al Buraq Airlines flight originating from Benghazi, Libya. The mission was executed as part of the ongoing Assisted Voluntary Return programme, a framework designed to provide a safe pathway home for migrants facing hardship in North Africa.

Demographic Breakdown of the Benghazi Returnees

The composition of the arriving group highlights the diverse and often vulnerable nature of the migrant population seeking repatriation. Official figures provided by NEMA indicate that the 145 individuals included 122 adults, with a significant majority being female. Specifically, the agency processed 76 adult women and 46 adult men. Furthermore, the flight carried a total of 56 minors, consisting of 29 children and 27 infants, necessitating specialized care and attention from arriving ground crews.

Biometric Documentation and Reintegration Protocols

Upon arrival, the Nigeria Immigration Service took immediate charge of the biometric registration and documentation process. This mandatory procedure ensures that every returnee is properly identified and officially re-entered into the national database. Olatunde emphasized that these administrative steps are a mechanical necessity for the broader reintegration strategy, allowing the Federal Government to track the progress of returnees and facilitate their transition back into their local communities across Nigeria.