About 145 Nigerians, including 29 children (13 males and 16 females), have been deported from Benghazi, Libya.

The returnees were received by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with the International Office for Migration (IOM) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.

Head of Lagos Operations Office, NEMA, Mohammed Olatunde, stated that the returnees arrived at about 8:27 p.m. aboard an Al Buraq Airlines flight as part of the assisted voluntary return programme.

According to him, the programme is facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Federal Government.

“The returnees include 29 children, with 13 males and 16 females.

“A total of 27 infants were received, comprising 17 males and 10 females,” Olatunde said.

The officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), have, however, conducted biometric registration and documentation of the returnees upon arrival to ensure proper identification and facilitate their reintegration into the country. The returnees were provided with food and potable water to meet immediate needs.

They also received medical care and ambulance services for those requiring attention.

Other support included luggage handling, logistics assistance, and counselling services.

NEMA said that the measures were to ensure a safe, dignified and coordinated reception process.