Rescued and Repatriated: Over 4,000 Stranded Nigerians Return Home in 2023

In a concerted effort between the Federal Government and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), a significant number of stranded Nigerians, totaling 4,055 individuals, have been successfully repatriated between the months of February and July 2023.

This information is substantiated by data sourced from both the IOM and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), shedding light on the extensive operation aimed at bringing back citizens in challenging situations.

A detailed breakdown reveals that a total of 2,849 stranded Nigerians were evacuated from Sudan, accompanied by 752 individuals from Libya, 441 from the Niger Republic, and 13 from Saudi Arabia over the course of the past seven months.

July saw the successful evacuation of 205 stranded Nigerians from Sudan, with June witnessing the return of 340 individuals from Sudan and Libya. May marked the return of 2,678 Nigerians from Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and the Niger Republic.

Notably, April facilitated the evacuation of 403 stranded Nigerians from Libya and the Niger Republic. In the preceding months, 279 individuals were repatriated in March from Libya, while February welcomed the return of 150 citizens from the Niger Republic.

Recent reports indicate that the Federal Government has expended a substantial sum, amounting to no less than N4,497,469,900, in its endeavors to bring stranded Nigerians back from foreign countries during times of crises over a span of five years.

Ambassador John Shinkaiye, the National President of the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria, has expressed concern over the rising trend of irregular migration, highlighting the alarming security risks that unskilled migrants often face.

As the repatriation efforts continue, the collaboration between government agencies and international organizations remains vital in ensuring the safe return of Nigerian citizens and addressing the issue of irregular migration. Punch