The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), on Monday received 170 stranded Nigerians repatriated from Tripoli, Libya, under the Assisted Voluntary Return programme.
The returnees arrived at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at about 3:36 p.m. aboard Air Buraq Airlines flight 5A-BAG.
The Head of NEMA Lagos Operations Office, Mohammed Olatunde, confirmed the development, noting that the reception exercise was carried out in conjunction with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.
Olatunde explained that the programme, supported by the IOM and the Federal Government, is part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safe, dignified and humane return of Nigerians stranded abroad.
A breakdown of the returnees shows that 163 were adults, comprising 129 males and 34 females, while seven children and two infants were also among those repatriated.
He added that one male returnee with a medical condition was attended to immediately upon arrival.
According to him, officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service conducted biometric registration and documentation of the returnees as part of standard procedures.
The returnees were also provided with food, potable water, medical care and psychosocial counselling to support their immediate needs.
Olatunde further noted that ambulance services, luggage handling and other logistics support were deployed to ensure a smooth reception process and facilitate their reintegration into society.
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