The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos Operations Office, in partnership with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons and under the Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) programme facilitated by the International Organization for Migration, successfully received 165 Nigerian returnees from Libya on 3rd March 2026.
The reception took place at approximately 17:13 hours at the Cargo Terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport
The returnees arrived aboard an Al Buraq Airlines flight (registration number 5A-BAC). The group comprised 115 adults (16 males, 99 females), 39 children (16 males, 23 females), and 20 infants (16 males, 4 females).
Upon arrival, officials from the Nigeria Immigration Service conducted biometric registration and documentation to ensure accurate records and facilitate smooth reintegration.
To meet the immediate needs of the returnees, NEMA and its partners provided comprehensive humanitarian assistance, including food and potable water, medical care and ambulance services, luggage handling, logistics support, and counselling services. This ensured a dignified, organized, and seamless reception process.
The exercise highlights the Federal Government’s commitment to the safe, humane, and orderly return of Nigerian citizens from abroad.
It also highlights the importance of multi-agency collaboration in reintegrating returning migrants and supporting them to rebuild their lives.
According to NEMA, the operation reflects the agency’s continuous dedication to protecting the welfare of Nigerians and promoting safe migration practices in line with national and international humanitarian standards.
