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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
Bandits kill seven Zamfara Community Protection Guards, cart away firearms
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits have killed five members of the Community Protection Guard (CPG) and two civilians in a deadly attack in Jangebe town, Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred on Friday afternoon when five CPG personnel, including their Unit Commander, went to assist in cultivating a farm on the outskirts of the village.
The victims were ambushed by the assailants while working on the farm and all five CPG members were shot dead. Two other civilians – a male and a female – working on a nearby farm were also killed during the assault.
Security sources said two pump-action rifles belonging to the CPG were stolen by the attackers.
Security forces have launched a manhunt for the fleeing bandits and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Bandits kill seven Zamfara Community Protection Guards, cart away firearms
Troops foil suspected bandit attack, intercept surveillance drone in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have foiled a suspected banditry attack on military camps located around Sabuwa and Faskari Local Government Areas, and intercepted an unidentified surveillance drone suspected to have been deployed by the criminals.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred at about 10:25 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, when armed men on motorcycles were sighted moving suspiciously around Maiganguma village axis in the two LGAs.
According to security sources, a drone was simultaneously observed hovering over the general area of Dandume and Machika villages, particularly around the perimeters of the Operation Sharan Daji Camp and Machika Military Super Camp.
Troops stationed in the vicinity reportedly made inquiries across security formations to confirm whether the drone belonged to any friendly forces. All units, however, denied ownership or deployment of any drone in the area.
After a few minutes, the drone was seen maneuvering behind the Wori Rock and later re-emerged in the air, prompting patrol teams to open fire. The suspected operator reportedly flew the drone back towards Wori Rock, after which it vanished.
Troops gave chase to the motorcycle-riding suspects who fled into the bush, evading capture. No casualty was reported during the incident.
Security authorities said investigations were ongoing to identify the drone operators and uncover any surveillance or targeting plans linked to the suspected bandits.
Troops foil suspected bandit attack, intercept surveillance drone in Katsina
Bandits rustle cattle, injure two in Katsina; ambush police, damage patrol APC
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits in the early hours of Friday stormed Unguwar Gada Village in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State, rustling an undisclosed number of cattle and injuring two villagers in the process.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the attackers, who struck at about 12:45 a.m., fled with the stolen livestock through Rereji Village in neighbouring Malumfashi LGA.
During the raid, the assailants shot two residents identified as Sani Yau, and Umar Shamsu, both of whom sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to the General Hospital in Malumfashi for medical attention.
Police personnel and other joint forces respond to the incident. However, the bandits laid an ambush for the security operatives and opened fire on them.
In the course of the attack, the front tyres of the police Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) were destroyed, and its engine also sustained significant damage, rendering the vehicle immobile.
Security forces have intensified patrols in the area and launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.
Bandits rustle cattle, injure two in Katsina; ambush police, damage patrol APC
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Bandits kill seven Zamfara Community Protection Guards, cart away firearms
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