11 infants among 180 Nigerians returned from Libya (photos)

By Tolulope Oke

The Federal Government has received 180 Nigerians, including 11 infants and 26 children, who returned from Sebha, Libya, under the Assisted Voluntary Return Programme.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) disclosed that the returnees arrived at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at approximately 4:20 p.m. on Tuesday.

According to a statement issued by the agency, the Nigerians arrived aboard an Air Buraq Airlines aircraft with registration number 5A-BAE.

The group comprised 143 adults, including 75 men and 68 women, alongside 26 children made up of 12 boys and 14 girls.

Also among the returnees were 11 infants, comprising three boys and eight girls.

NEMA said the operation was coordinated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Federal Government.

Upon arrival, officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service conducted biometric registration and documentation to establish the returnees’ identities and facilitate their reintegration.

The returnees were subsequently provided with food, drinking water, medical screening and other humanitarian assistance.

Ambulance services were made available for those requiring medical attention, while counselling, luggage handling and logistical support were also provided.

NEMA said its Lagos Operations Office worked alongside the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons and other relevant agencies to ensure the returnees received appropriate assistance.

The agency added that reintegration support was provided to help them return to their respective communities.