Libyan officials have deported 80 Nigerian migrants who were detained in different custody centers across the country, as part of continuing measures to tackle illegal migration and reduce congestion in detention facilities.

The Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM), in collaboration with the Nigerian Consulate in Tripoli, coordinated the return exercise via Mitiga International Airport on Wednesday.

According to Migrant Rescue Watch, a group that tracks migrant welfare and human rights in Libya, the deportation followed judicial orders issued by the Libyan Judicial Police.

“The affected Nigerians were previously detained in multiple facilities across the country and later transferred to Tripoli under strict security for their scheduled return flight,” the organization confirmed.

The group disclosed that, the operation was carried out in collaboration with Nigerian consular officials to ensure that the returnees were properly documented and given the necessary consular assistance before departure.

The 80 deported Nigerians are among the hundreds of African migrants currently being held in Libya for attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea into Europe through irregular routes.

Libya continues to serve as a major transit point for migrants fleeing poverty, conflict, and instability in sub-Saharan Africa in search of better opportunities in Europe.

Human rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns over poor detention conditions, overcrowding, and abuse of migrants in Libya’s detention centers, urging both African and European governments to strengthen safe migration channels and tackle the root causes of irregular migration.