Nigerians recently evacuated from Libya by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) have cautioned others against embarking on irregular migration routes, citing harrowing experiences and unfulfilled promises.
The group, consisting of 183 individuals—including 108 men, 75 women, 26 children, and 13 infants—arrived in Lagos on Tuesday night through the Hajj and Pilgrims Cargo Terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Many of the returnees shared distressing accounts of their time in Libya. Susan Nneka, 24, recounted spending over a month crossing the desert. According to her, the hardships began long before reaching Libya, and the reality she met upon arrival was far from the hopeful image painted for her.
“The journey was extremely tough. We spent weeks in the desert and, when we finally arrived, life was nothing like what I was promised. I had to do menial care jobs just to survive,” she said, adding that young people should verify information thoroughly and seek family support before undertaking such risky ventures.
Mohammed Ibrahim, who left Nigeria four years ago due to economic hardship, described the move as a costly mistake. He said a friend had encouraged him to go to Libya in search of a better life, but instead, he encountered intense suffering.
“I went through a lot just to get there, and when I finally did, it was nothing like what I was told. I wasted four years of my life. Honestly, there’s no place like home,” he said.
Another migrant, Mr. Harrison, a father of two, revealed he was sold multiple times after being unable to repay the money demanded from him. “I was promised a better life, but instead I was trafficked and exploited. I am ashamed of how I returned to Nigeria,” he said.
Similarly, Joy Aston disclosed that her cousin, who arranged her travel, forced her into prostitution under the guise of helping her secure a job abroad. “I was stranded for over three years. My cousin demanded repayment and pushed me into sex work,” she said.
Speaking on the situation, IOM’s Chief of Mission, Dimanche Sharon, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to raising awareness about the dangers of irregular migration. She said the repatriated migrants would be supported through reintegration programmes tailored to their immediate and future needs.
“Our teams are working on the ground to ensure that each returnee is properly profiled and supported. We’re focused on helping them reintegrate and rebuild their lives,” she added.
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