Nigerian Senate Acts to Repatriate Women and Children Trapped in Libyan Prisons

The Nigerian Senate has passed a resolution to repatriate hundreds of Nigerian women and children currently held in Libyan prisons, following motions by Senators Aniekan Bassey and Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan. The Senators highlighted the urgent need to safeguard Nigerian citizens from smuggling, slavery, and human rights abuses in Libya.

The motion also directed the Nigerian Immigration Service to collaborate with Libyan authorities to expedite the release and repatriation of Nigerian female inmates and children born in detention. The Senate emphasized the need for robust reintegration and protection programs for returnees, including psychosocial support and skills training.

The resolution also called for diplomatic engagement with Libyan authorities and regional actions through the African Union and ECOWAS to ensure the protection of Nigerian detainees and address human rights violations.