Thousands of Nigerians Stranded in Libya, Awaiting Rescue

By Diafa Doubra,

The Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has raised fresh concerns over the plight of Nigerians trapped in Libya, revealing that no fewer than 7,000 citizens are currently stranded in the North African country.

According to NIDCOM, many of the stranded individuals had embarked on the perilous journey in search of greener pastures in Europe, only to find themselves stuck in Libya’s harsh detention camps and unsafe communities. Reports indicate that a large number of them are victims of irregular migration, lured by human traffickers who promised them safe passage to Europe but abandoned them in transit.

NIDCOM officials explained that efforts are ongoing in collaboration with international organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to secure their safe return home. However, the scale of the crisis remains overwhelming, with limited resources slowing down evacuation processes.

The commission also issued a warning to Nigerians, particularly the youth, against falling for deceitful offers of foreign jobs and migration opportunities that often lead to exploitation, trafficking, and, in many cases, death along the treacherous desert and Mediterranean routes.

This revelation has once again put the spotlight on Nigeria’s irregular migration crises, a challenge that has persisted for years. Experts have stressed the need for stronger awareness campaigns, tighter border controls, and more economic opportunities at home to reduce the desperation that fuels such dangerous journeys.

For the stranded Nigerians in Libya, hope now rests on the government’s commitment and international partnerships to bring them back safely, even as families in Nigeria anxiously await the return of their loved ones.