The Nigerian embassy, according to the federal government, has evacuated 161 people who were held in Libya for a variety of immigration offences.

The evacuees were expected to arrive at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos on Monday night, according to a statement from Kabiru Musa, the charge d’affaires en titre of the Nigerian mission in Libya.

Musa claimed that they were freed so they may relaunch their lives at home.

He said, “As part of the federal government’s pledge to ensure none of its citizens is left stranded abroad, we have successfully evacuated another 161 Nigerians from Libya,” NAN quoted Musa as saying

“The Nigerian Mission in Libya with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Libyan authorities secured their release from detention centres across Libya so that they can return home to rebuild their lives.

“The 161 evacuees departed Mitiga International Airport, Tripoli aboard chartered flight No.UZ0189 on Monday evening and are expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos the same Monday night.

“They include 87 males, 68 females, five children and one infant.

“This further shows the commitment of the federal government in ensuring the safety and dignity of every Nigerian citizen in the diaspora.”

He claimed that the Nigerians who had been repatriated had learned about the dangers of unauthorized migration and had been forewarned against making such voyages in the future.