The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to Nigerians contemplating irregular migration to Libya, describing the country as highly dangerous and unfit as a passage to Europe.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), raised the alarm over the growing number of Nigerians being deceived by human traffickers, only to end up in harsh detention camps across Libya. According to her, despite numerous rescue efforts and repeated public warnings, many still risk their lives hoping to cross into Europe through the North African nation.
“In 2025 alone, more than 5,000 stranded Nigerians have been returned from Libya through coordinated efforts with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Refugee Commission,” Dabiri-Erewa revealed. “Yet, the dangerous cycle continues.”
She explained that many victims pay as much as ₦1.5 million to traffickers, selling off their belongings with the illusion of reaching Europe. Instead, they are exposed to deadly desert journeys and violent conditions in Libya, a country she described as having no central government and being overrun by armed factions.
“These traffickers exploit the desperation of people. Victims end up worse than where they started—trapped, abused, and hopeless. Libya is not a stepping stone to Europe; it is a graveyard of dreams,” she warned.
The NIDCOM boss noted that the Nigerian government is committed to rescuing citizens in distress but emphasized that each mission poses significant risks due to the volatile security situation in Libya. Rescue operations are being coordinated through a discreet inter-agency task force led by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
She called on security agencies to intensify efforts in identifying and prosecuting traffickers operating within and outside Nigeria. “These criminals must be exposed. They profit from suffering and must be held accountable,” she concluded.
