NEMA Receives 298 Stranded Nigerians from Libyan Prisons

In a significant humanitarian effort, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has successfully facilitated the safe return of 298 stranded Nigerians who were held captive in Libyan prisons. NEMA, a prominent organization dedicated to disaster management and humanitarian aid, announced this remarkable feat in an official statement released on Tuesday in Lagos.

The stranded individuals had endured varying periods of captivity within the confines of detention camps across Libya, a North African country grappling with its own set of challenges. NEMA’s proactive intervention and collaboration with international partners ensured their repatriation to Nigeria, marking a crucial step towards alleviating their plight.

This heartening homecoming unfolded through two meticulously organized chartered flights. The first flight, which took place on August 21, carried 161 returnees, while the subsequent flight arrived on Monday, carrying 137 returnees who had yearned for freedom. The second batch of returnees disembarked from an Al Buraq Air Boeing 737-800 aircraft, registered under the designation 5A-DMG. The aircraft touched down at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport’s Cargo Wing in Ikeja at approximately 5:38 p.m. on Monday, with eager eyes witnessing their fellow countrymen’s return.

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The returnees, a mix of genders and ages, comprised 119 females, a significant number of whom were pregnant. Accompanying them were 170 males, along with 3 female children, 3 male children, and 3 infants. This diverse group symbolizes the harsh realities faced by a range of individuals who had fallen victim to circumstances beyond their control.

NEMA’s strategic efforts were reinforced by the invaluable support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Port Health Service, and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRM). These collaborative endeavors underline the significance of a united approach in addressing complex humanitarian crises.

As NEMA consistently demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding lives and restoring hope, the successful repatriation of these stranded Nigerians serves as a testament to the power of collective action. This undertaking not only brings relief to those who have endured immense hardship but also showcases the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.