The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), on Monday, received 170 stranded Nigerians repatriated from Tripoli, Libya.

The returnees arrived at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at about 3:36 p.m. aboard Air Buraq Airlines flight 5A-BAG under the Assisted Voluntary Return Programme.

The head of NEMA Lagos Operations Office, Mohammed Olatunde, confirmed the development to journalists in Lagos.

Mr Olatunde said the reception was carried out in conjunction with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.

He said the programme was supported by the IOM and the federal government as part of efforts to ensure the safe, dignified and humane return of stranded Nigerians.

He said the returnees were 163 adults, comprising 129 males and 34 females.

He said seven children and two infants were also among the returnees.

Mr Olatunde added that one male returnee was reported to have a medical condition and was attended to on arrival.

He said officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service conducted biometric registration and documentation of the returnees.

According to him, the returnees were provided with food, potable water, medical care and psychosocial counselling.

He added that ambulance services, luggage handling and other logistical support were provided to facilitate their reception and reintegration into society. 

(NAN)