FIC Report (Edo State) – The International Organization for Migration (IOM), under its Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme, has facilitated the return of 182 irregular Nigerian migrants.This Operation underscores the ongoing collaboration between the Nigerian Government, the European Union, and IOM, aimed at promoting safe, humane, and voluntary migration for Citizens seeking to return to Nigeria.
The returnees include 108 Adult males and 45 Adult females, totaling 153 Adults. Among the Children repatriated are 10 male Children, seven female Children, and Eight female Infants along with four male Infants, bringing5 the total number of Children and Infants to 17 and 12 respectively. The entire group comprises 123 females and 59 males, with two unaccompanied minors among them.
The return journey culminated at the cargo wing of Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) in Lagos at approximately 8 p.m. on Tuesday June 2nd, 2026. The Migrants arrived aboard a chartered flight designated Buraq 5A-BAE. Upon arrival, they were received by officials from IOM, led by the Head of the IOM Sub-Office for the South Region, Alik Ibrahim. The group was immediately processed at the airport’s immigration post for profiling, in coordination with officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA). Following profiling, the returnees were transferred to a transit centre, where they will be provided temporary shelter and support as efforts are made to trace and reunite them with their families.
Alik Ibrahim highlighted that the repatriation was made possible through a collaborative effort involving the Nigerian government, the European Union, and IOM. Since the inception of the AVRR programme in 2017, a total of 65,700 migrants have been assisted in their voluntary return to Nigeria.
Speaking to Journalists at the Airport, Ibrahim emphasized that the returnees received immediate reception support, screening, and counseling upon arrival. He explained that eligible individuals would also benefit from reintegration assistance, aimed at helping them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. Ibrahim described the return process as a “pathway to recovery,” reflecting the programme’s commitment to ensuring sustainable reintegration for returnees.
The Ongoing AVRR initiative remains a critical component of Nigeria’s broader strategy to promote humane migration practices and support vulnerable migrants in their voluntary return and reintegration efforts.
By Adu Stella Nneka
SI&PRO FIC Benin
June 2nd, 2026.
