TheCable

The federal government says the Nigerian embassy has evacuated 161 citizens detained in Libya for various immigration crimes.

Kabiru Musa, charge d’affaires en titre of the Nigerian mission in Libya, said in a statement that the evacuees were scheduled to arrive at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos on Monday night.

Musa said they were released to enable them restart their lives back home.

“As part of the federal government’s pledge to ensure none of its citizens is left stranded abroad, we have successfully evacuated another 161 Nigerians from Libya,” NAN quoted Musa as saying.

“The Nigerian Mission in Libya with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Libyan authorities secured their release from detention centers across Libya so that they can return home to rebuild their lives.

“The 161 evacuees departed Mitiga International Airport, Tripoli aboard chartered flight No.UZ0189 on Monday evening and are expected to arrive the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos same Monday night.

“They include 87 males, 68 females, five children and one infant.

“This further shows the commitment of the federal government in ensuring the safety and dignity of every Nigerian citizen in the diaspora.”

He said the repatriated Nigerians were enlightened on the risks of irregular migration and warned against undertaking such journeys in the future.