The Libyan Department for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM), in collaboration with the Nigerian Consulate in Tripoli, has successfully repatriated 80 irregular migrants of Nigerian nationality through the Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli.
According to Migrant Rescue Watch, the deportation exercise was carried out after the affected individuals were issued judicial deportation orders by the Libyan Judicial Police.
The migrants had been detained in various holding facilities across Libya before being transferred to the airport under security escort for their flight back to Nigeria.
Migrant Rescue Watch, which monitors migrant rights and welfare in Libya, stated that the repatriation is part of ongoing efforts by Libyan authorities and foreign missions to manage irregular migration and decongest detention centers.
The group noted that the process was conducted in coordination with the Nigerian consular representatives to ensure that the returnees received appropriate documentation and consular support during their departure.
The 80 Nigerians are among hundreds of African migrants who have been detained in Libya for attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe through irregular routes.
Libya remains one of the main transit hubs for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa seeking to reach Europe.
