The Libyan government has deported 177 Nigerian migrants, including women and children, in what authorities described as a voluntary repatriation effort.
The deportation was carried out on Tuesday through a flight from Tripoli’s Mitiga International Airport, according to Mohamed Bred’a, an official with Libya’s Illegal Migration Control Department.
“Today, from the Deportation Office of the Illegal Migration Control Department, we voluntarily deported 177 female and some child migrants of Nigerian nationality via a flight from Tripoli Mitiga International Airport,” Bred’a said.
He noted that the group included nine children and eight infants, adding that more repatriation flights were planned for the week.
“The deportation is humanitarian and voluntary, as part of the department’s plan,” he added.
Libya has long served as a transit hub for migrants attempting to reach Europe, particularly after the country fell into political instability following the 2011 ousting of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi.
On Monday, Libyan Interior Minister Emad al-Tarabelsi called on the European Union and other affected countries to increase support for Libya in tackling illegal migration.
He emphasized the need to secure Libya’s southern borders rather than focusing solely on coastal monitoring, as has been the priority of European nations.
Al-Tarabelsi also urged for investment in development projects in migrants’ home countries to address the root causes of migration.
