Senators Demand Diplomatic Intervention Over Nigerians Enslaved in Libya

The Nigerian Senate erupted in outrage on Tuesday as lawmakers called for swift diplomatic intervention to rescue hundreds of Nigerian women and children languishing in Libyan prisons.

Senators described the victims’ plight as “modern-day slavery” and demanded immediate government action to end their suffering and bring them home.

The call followed a motion by Senator Aniekan Bassey (Cross River South), who raised alarm over recurring cases of human trafficking, slavery, and grave human rights violations against Nigerian migrants in Libya—a country long notorious as a dangerous transit route for irregular migrants heading to Europe.

Supporting the motion, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) proposed an amendment mandating the Nigerian Immigration Service and Nigerian Correctional Service to work with Libyan authorities to facilitate the release and repatriation of Nigerian women and their children born in detention. The motion, seconded by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, was unanimously adopted.

Akpoti-Uduaghan condemned the horrific treatment of the victims, many of whom were trafficked under false job promises, only to be forced into prostitution and later imprisoned.
“These women were victims twice—first of traffickers, then of a broken system,” she lamented. “Many were sexually assaulted in detention, resulting in pregnancies. Their children, born behind bars, must not suffer for crimes they did not commit.”

In his presentation, Senator Bassey described Libya as “a corridor of death and despair” for desperate Nigerians trapped by traffickers and criminal syndicates. He cited reports that over 1,000 Nigerians had been repatriated from Libya in the first quarter of 2025 alone, with survivors recounting tales of torture, sexual violence, and forced labour.

“One survivor, Mercy Olugbenga, sold her family’s property to fund her journey, only to be held captive for a year while her blood was drained repeatedly,” Bassey said. “It is a chilling reminder that slavery still exists in our time.”

The Senate referenced reports from Amnesty International and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) detailing systemic abuses in Libya’s state and militia-run detention centres—including rape, arbitrary detention, and killings.

Following an intense debate, the Senate urged the Federal Government—through the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Humanitarian Affairs, and NAPTIP—to create a comprehensive reintegration programme for returnees. This would include psychosocial support, vocational training, and startup assistance to help them rebuild their lives.

Lawmakers also called for stronger diplomatic engagement with Libyan authorities and regional cooperation through the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, and the United Nations to ensure justice and protection for detained Nigerians.

Additionally, the Senate directed its Committees on Diaspora, Judiciary, Human Rights, and Foreign Affairs to investigate human trafficking networks and unlicensed travel agents aiding illegal migration, with a view to tightening existing laws and enforcement.

An amendment by Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) tasked NAPTIP with active involvement in both repatriation and rehabilitation efforts, while Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) proposed intensified public awareness campaigns to discourage irregular migration—a motion seconded by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North).

“Nigerians have no business being in Libya,” Oshiomhole said. “We must educate our people that there is no greener pasture in that country.”

Senator Anthony Ani (Ebonyi South) called the ordeal “a stain on our national conscience,” while Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) criticised the African Union’s silence, urging it to take decisive action.
“We are Africans treating fellow Africans worse than animals. The AU must act—no nation should get away with such cruelty,” Umeh declared.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised Senator Bassey for raising the motion and tasked the Committee on Legislative Compliance with ensuring full implementation of the resolutions.

In his closing remarks, Akpabio appealed to Nigerian youths to resist the temptation of illegal migration.
“Home is home,” he said. “Many who chase greener pastures abroad end up in pain. Let us stay, build, and take pride in a Nigeria where every citizen can live safe, free, and fulfilled.”