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158 Nigerian Irregular Migrants to Libya Repatriated, Says Envoy

158 Nigerian Irregular Migrants to Libya Repatriated, Says Envoy
By: Michael Mike
A total of 158 Nigerian irregular migrants have again been repatriated from Libya, the Charge’ d’ Affaires of the Nigerian Mission in Tripoli, Libya, Amb. Mohammed Mohammed has revealed
The envoy, in a release made available to journalists on Wednesday, disclosed that the repatriation exercise was carried out by the Mission in collaboration with the Libyan authorities and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) under the organisation’s Voluntary Humanitarian Repatriation (VHR).
The release further stated that the evacuees departed Mitiga International Airport, Tripoli, aboard chartered flight no: – UZ 189 at 1500hrs local time and arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at 1800hrs.
According to Mohammed, the group of evacuees comprised seventy-seven (77) males, forty-five (45) females, 26 children as well as 10 infants.
On the reasons for this latest repatriation of these Nigerians, the Nigerian Embassy said they were repatriated for lack of proper documentation and accusations of various criminal activities,among others.
Of the total number, the Embassy said 26 males arrested from the ongoing raid of undocumented foreigners in Libya were released from Abu-Salim Detention Centre in Tripoli.
The Mission also informed that upon arrival in Nigeria, the evacuees were received by relevant government agencies, including NAPTIP, Nigerian Immigration Service, Airport Security and the NDLEA. These evacuees are expected to undergo rehabilitation and reintegration processes before they are released into society.
According to Mohammed, nearly 1, 776 stranded Nigerians have safely been returned home in 2024 so far.
The Nigerian Envoy, while urging citizens to shun irregular migrations,lauded the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,the Libyan authorities and the IOM for coming through for so many of the evacuees,who had the urgent desire to return home,but did not have the means to do so.
He said: “This marks the twelfth evacuation exercise carried out by the Nigerian Mission in Libya this year.
“The current exercise follows the repatriation of one hundred and forty-two (142) irregular Nigerian migrants from Sabha, Libya, on 9th July.
“While some of them were rescued from the Mediterranean Sea by the Libyan Coastal Guards, others were arrested on charges of prostitution, illegally entering the country, over stay and lack of proper documentation, just as others willingly submitted themselves to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Libya for repatriation.
“You know, lately, there have been increasing and coordinated raids of illegal migrants across the cities of Libya and these are likely going to continue as Libyan authorities consider influx of illegal migrants in the country a National Security issue and have vowed to employ all legal means to stop the menace.
“Nigerians living in Libya,from many indications, already have damaged reputations due to the alleged nefarious activities of some criminal elements among them.Some have been fingered in the commitment of crimes such as kidnapping for ransom, drug peddling, prostitution, sale of alcohol as well as cultism and human trafficking with their Libyan collaborators, among others .
“It is, therefore ,as a result of the above that, arrest and deportation of Nigerians may continue in the weeks and months ahead,” the Nigerian Envoy said.
Worried by the challenges of illegal migration, the Libyan authorities recently, on July 17,2024, hosted the Trans-Mediterranean Migration Forum in Tripoli which brought together source, transit and destination countries to discuss solutions to irregular migration.
The Voluntary Humanitarian Repatriation is a programme of the International Organization for Migration that guarantees safe, dignified and expedited return for willing migrants. The Federal Government has through its constant collaborations with this organisation ensured that many irregular Nigerian migrants return home from time to time.
158 Nigerian Irregular Migrants to Libya Repatriated, Says Envoy
News
Zulum pours encomium on his Mentor at 59

Zulum pours encomium on his Mentor at 59
By: Bodunrin Kayode
Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Zulum has congratulated the Vice President Kashim Shettima on his attainment of 59.
In a nicely worded eulogy written by himself, the Governor described Shettima as his mentor who has given him the guidance as he continues to make life comfortable for his people in Borno state.
He commended him for his rare gift of mentorship which he maintains is the hallmark of a forthright leader who means well not only for his people in the north east but the entire Nigeria.
The Governor went on: “On behalf of myself, the Government, and the people of Borno State, I extend heartfelt birthday felicitations to His Excellency Vice President Kashim Shettima as he celebrates his 59th birthday.
“Mr Vice President, sir, your mentorship has shaped countless leaders across Borno, the Northeast, and beyond. Your leadership traits, vision, integrity, and commitment to service have guided us through challenges and inspired our generation to strive for excellence.
“Your humility remains a hallmark of truly great stewardship, reminding us that true leadership serves the people with grace and patience. Your intellectual prowess has consistently informed sound policy, strategic decisions, and thoughtful dialogue that elevates our national discourse.
“Your Excellency, I, the people of Borno, and indeed Nigeria, are immensely proud of the trajectory of your public service. From your formative years in public life as a Commissioner, to your tenure as Governor and later doubling as Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, to your time as a Senator, and now in your capacity as Vice President, you have demonstrated a steadfast dedication to the advancement and unity of our country.
“May this birthday be a reflection of the lives you have touched and the enduring impact you continue to have. Wishing you sound health, continued wisdom, and many more years of service and national progress. Once again, Happy Birthday! Your Excellency!”
Zulum pours encomium on his Mentor at 59
News
Air power delivers decisive blow against terrorists in Sambisa, nutrialised 15

Air power delivers decisive blow against terrorists in Sambisa, nutrialised 15
By: Zagazola Makama
The air component of Operation Hadin Kai has neutralised more than 15 terrorists and destroyed their structures in a precision air interdiction mission at Zuwa, a new hideout in the Sambisa general area of Borno State.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the operation, carried out on Sept. 3 at about 11:50 a.m., followed credible intelligence which tracked terrorists fleeing after sustained ground operations in the Bitta axis in July.
According to competent sources, ISR missions conducted by Grey Raptor platforms established the withdrawal route of the terrorists along a river line extending from Bitta towards Zuwa.
The sources said “Overhead the West of Zuwa, our crew observed active terrorist structures with several fighters wearing ISWAP uniforms. It was evident the location had become a major concentration point.
“Consequently, the air component executed multiple attack passes with precision-guided stores against the identified structures, which were occupied by a large concentration of terrorists,” the sources said.
The sources explained that the strikes achieved their desired effect, as over 15 terrorists were neutralised and the structures destroyed completely.
The sources added that the operation was a direct follow-on to the July 28 encounter with ground troops in Bitta, where several terrorists were dislodged.
The sources reiterated the commitment of the troops of Operation HADIN KAI and its Air Component to sustain close air support, reconnaissance, and precision strike operations in synergy with surface forces until terrorism is completely defeated in the North East.
Recalled that Nigerian military, through Operation Hadin Kai, has intensified its coordinated operations across the North East, targeting remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents still hiding in the Sambisa and Mandara mountains.
Air power delivers decisive blow against terrorists in Sambisa, nutrialised 15
News
Zulum leads N/East govs to Tinubu, requests completion of 17 roads, oil exploration

Zulum leads N/East govs to Tinubu, requests completion of 17 roads, oil exploration
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, led a delegation of North East governors to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday.
The meeting, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, focused on critical issues affecting the North East, including urgent completion of 17 vital road projects and the resumption of oil exploration in the frontier wells, particularly the Kolmani and Lake Chad wells.
Other governors in attendance included Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Bala Muhammad of Bauchi, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa and Agbu Keffas of Taraba.

Delivering his address during the meeting, Zulum, who is also the chairman of the North East Governors Forum, urged the president to complete the ongoing road projects and build critical roads connecting the six states of the zone.
The roads are Kano-Maiduguri Road, Port Harcourt-Jos-Bauchi-Maiduguri Railway line, Bama-Mubi-Yola Road, Wukari-Jalingo-Yola Road, Duguri-Mansur Road (NNPC Project Ongoing), Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Damaturu Road, Damaturu-Geidam Road, Bauchi-Ningi-Nasaru-Babaldo Road and Gombe-Potiskum, Damaturu-Biu Roads.
Others include Alkaleri-Futuk Road, Maiduguri-Damboa-Yola Road, Gombe-Dukku-Darazo Road, Biu-Gombe Road, Ibi-Shamdam Road, Maiduguri-Monguno-Baga Road and Maiduguri-Ngala-Bama-Banki Roads
Governor Zulum commended the president for the commitment to restoring peace within the northeast, stating, “We thank you for fostering peace and stability within the sub-region and continuing with the initiative of your predecessor in sustaining the fight against insurgency.
He assured the president of their commitment to his administration’s initiative on training of manpower and providing technology with a view to reversing the insecurity facing the North East.
“We are fully aligning with Mr. President’s good initiative of training of manpower and providing technology with a view to reversing the ugly trend in the forest, thereby reducing the insurgency and promoting agricultural development in alignment with the renewed hope agenda on food security,” Zulum said.
He added, “Mr President, the North East governors hold you in high esteem and all of us have resolved to partner with you in your determination to provide good governance for Nigeria with a view to leaving behind lasting legacies and landmarks for the country.”
Responding, President Tinubu acknowledged the governors’ concerns and assured them of his administration’s commitment to addressing the developmental needs of the northeast.
Zulum leads N/East govs to Tinubu, requests completion of 17 roads, oil exploration
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