Four Nigerian nationals have been apprehended in Libya in connection with drug trafficking and public health violations in two separate incidents reported in Sabha and Bani Walid.
The arrests, disclosed by the advocacy group Migrant Rescue Watch, highlight ongoing enforcement efforts against illegal activities in the North African nation.
In Sabha, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department raided the premises of two Nigerian suspects and discovered 1,200 hallucinogenic pills along with other illicit substances.
The suspects were immediately taken into custody and handed over to the Sabha Security Directorate for further investigation.
According to a statement by Migrant Rescue Watch, “CID in Sabha carried out a raid on a reported location and arrested two Nigerian drug traffickers. During a search of the premises, police found 1,200 hallucinogenic pills and other illicit drugs. Both individuals were transferred to the Sabha Security Directorate.”
Meanwhile, in the city of Bani Walid, routine health screenings led to the detention of two Nigerian migrants—a male and a female—who tested positive for infectious diseases. They were transferred to the Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration and later moved to Tripoli for repatriation.
“DCIM Bureau in Bani Walid transferred two Nigerian migrants (female and male) who tested positive for infectious diseases to Tripoli for repatriation,” Migrant Rescue Watch confirmed.
Bani Walid, located south of Libya’s capital, Tripoli, is a notorious transit hub for migrants seeking passage to Europe. In recent months, Libyan authorities have stepped up efforts to combat illegal activities, including human trafficking, drug smuggling, and public health violations, as part of broader measures to maintain order in the region.
The incidents underscore the complex challenges faced by migrants in Libya, where many are often caught in the crossfire of criminal networks and stringent government crackdowns. For Nigerian migrants, these developments highlight the perils of irregular migration and the need for stronger support systems to address both the push and pull factors driving their journeys.
Authorities in Libya have vowed to intensify crackdowns on illegal activities while collaborating with international organisations to manage migration and public health concerns.
