NIDCOM Says The Case Of ‘Stranded Nigerians’ In Libya Is Being Investigated

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has stated that it is looking into the case of Nigerians who may be stranded in Libya.

A statement signed on Tuesday by the Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, read: “The Management of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has once again been drawn to another viral video showing some Nigerians stranded in Libya and calling for help to be evacuated back home.

“While this video will be investigated, it is worth noting that over 10,000 Nigerians were evacuated from Libya a few years ago, based on a memo by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, which was approved by the then-President and a coalition of multi-agency teams set up to evacuate all Nigerians stranded in Libya.”

The statement added: “For the umpteenth time, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa issued a clear warning to Nigerians to avoid that dangerous path. However, the warning was not followed.

“In recent months, more Nigerians have been brought back from Libya, thanks to the efforts of the International Organisation for Migration in Nigeria, which has been regularly evacuating Nigerians stranded in Libya back home.”

The statement went on to say: “Unfortunately, many Nigerians continue to return to Libya and find themselves stranded again.

“It should be noted here that the Commission has brought the video to the attention of the office of the National Security Adviser, who leads the multi-agency evacuation team, as well as the International Organisation for Migration, which has also rescued thousands of stranded people.”

“Both the IOM and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons have had cause to evacuate 2467 Nigerians from Libya in 15 flights between January and September 2024.” The statement acknowledged.

However, the statement reiterated an earlier warning that dangerous migration routes must be avoided, and traffickers who trafficked these victims must be arrested, identified, and shamed.