IIn a coordinated humanitarian effort, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) received a group of 181 Nigerian returnees from Benghazi, Libya, on Tuesday night.
The chartered Al Buraq Airlines flight touched down at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, at approximately 9:50 p.m.
The repatriation was conducted under the Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) program, a strategic initiative facilitated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
This mission underscores the ongoing collaboration between the Federal Government of Nigeria and international partners to provide a safe passage home for citizens stranded abroad.
The 181 returnees represent a diverse demographic, consisting of 164 adults, seven children, and ten infants. Among the adults were 75 males and 90 females, including two women requiring specialized medical attention. The younger group included six male children and infants, alongside ten young females.
Upon arrival, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) immediately commenced biometric registration and documentation. These protocols are essential for maintaining accurate national records and serve as the first step in the government’s comprehensive reintegration framework for the returnees.
NEMA officials, alongside the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), distributed food and potable water while providing luggage assistance to ease the transition after the long journey.
Medical teams were stationed on-site to offer ambulance services and urgent care, particularly for the identified medical cases. Additionally, professional counseling services were made available to help the returnees process the psychological challenges of their displacement and return.
Government officials emphasized that this exercise is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to the dignified treatment of its citizens.
By prioritizing coordinated humanitarian assistance, the government aims to ensure that every Nigerian returning from precarious situations abroad is met with the support needed to rebuild their lives.
