The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has rescued over 956 Nigerians from Libya in the past three months.

In a statement, NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, confirmed that the returnees were brought back to Nigeria in six separate trips.

Balogun noted that the six trips included 152 returnees on January 28, 145 on February 11, 180 on February 19, 159 on February 25, 144 on March 4, and 176 on March 18.

Of the returnees, 683 were females, 132 were males, 87 were children, and 54 were infants.

Balogun also highlighted the commission’s efforts in rescuing vulnerable Nigerians over the past few years, stating that over 15,000 stranded Nigerians have been evacuated with the help of the federal government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

READ ALSO: Coalition demands state of emergency in Zamfara over lawmakers’ suspension

NiDCOM’s Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, cautioned Nigerians against using irregular routes to Europe, specifically advising against migration through Libya, which she described as a war-torn country. She urged Nigerians to pursue legal and regular means of migration, noting that some rescued Nigerians had returned to Libya or attempted more dangerous routes to enter Europe.

Dabiri-Erewa reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and interests of Nigerians both at home and abroad, regardless of their socio-economic, cultural, or religious backgrounds.

She also called on government agencies, non-governmental organizations, the media, and other relevant stakeholders to collaborate in raising awareness about the dangers of irregular migration.