The Department for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM) in Libya’s Southern Region has facilitated the return of 166 Nigerian migrants back to the country.
This voluntary repatriation carried out from Sabha International Airport, was organized in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which provided vital support for the operation.
Migrant Rescue Watch announced the repatriation on their social media platform on Wednesday, confirming that the Nigerian migrants were flown home with the joint assistance of Libya’s DCIM and IOM.
This repatriation follows recent reports of Nigerian nationals facing hardships in Libya.
One notable case involves a young woman in her early 20s, identified only as Omowunmi, who pleaded with the Nigerian government for help.
According to SaharaReporters, Omowunmi, originally from Ondo State, shared a distressing video on Facebook, describing her dire situation and urgent health needs.
She explained that she was left abandoned by her guardian in Libya, leaving her homeless and suffering from an untreated ulcer.
In the video, Omowunmi shared her struggle, saying, “My name is Omowunmi from Ondo State. I am very sick and I need to come back to Nigeria. I need the help of Nigerians. Please have mercy on me. I want to go back to Nigeria. Don’t let me die in Libya.
“See how I have turned skinny. I have an ulcer and it is affecting me so that it is eating my intestines. I cannot eat well for a month now. My guardian said I ran away from home but that is a lie. I have already paid the money (expenses incurred to move from Nigeria to Libya).
“One day, I was sick and I told her that I was sick and I wanted to go and take care of myself. And I needed money, my money was with her. I told her to send my money to my mum and give me the rest to treat myself.
“But she asked me to go and she took my SIM card. After that time, I was unable to reach her. I later connected with her earlier this year. I begged her and even my biological mum did the same but she refused.
“She chased me out around 9 pm. She owed me money and I requested it but she declined. She refused to follow me to the embassy to get registered. She refused. She left me stranded in Libya. I have spent all my money. Please, don’t let me die in Libya. I was not like this when I arrived in Libya. But I have suffered.”
Her appeal for assistance has garnered attention, and Abdur-Rahman Balogun, spokesperson for the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, advised Omowunmi to approach the Nigerian Embassy in Libya for immediate support.
