Over 60,300 Nigerians Return from Dangerous Migration Routes

Since 2017, over 60,300 Nigerians have returned home from perilous migration routes, as disclosed by Sharon Dimanch, the Chief Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Nigeria, during a media engagement in Benin City. Many of these returnees embarked on risky journeys in search of better economic opportunities but found themselves trapped along irregular migration routes, facing exploitation, abuse, and life-threatening conditions.

Dimanch noted that several migrants became stranded in transit countries across North Africa and fell victim to human trafficking networks, forced labor, and detention. The IOM has organized humanitarian programs to assist thousands of Nigerians in returning home safely and providing support to help them rebuild their lives after traumatic migration experiences.

The agency also runs reintegration programs aimed at stabilizing the return of migrants. The trend reflects a broader issue, as many Nigerians, particularly the unemployed, consider leaving the country due to economic factors, with 66% contemplating emigration.