Four Nigerians have been apprehended by Libyan authorities on charges related to drug trafficking and testing positive for infectious diseases, as revealed by the Migrant Rescue Watch, an advocacy organization working to protect migrants' rights and safety.
According to the statement, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Sabha, Libya, acted on intelligence reports and conducted a raid on the premises of two Nigerian suspects. The operation led to the seizure of 1,200 hallucinogenic pills along with other illicit substances, confirming suspicions of drug-related activities. Both suspects were subsequently taken into custody and handed over to the Sabha Security Directorate for further investigation and legal action.
Additionally, the report highlighted another incident involving two other Nigerians, one male and one female, who were detained in Bani Walid during a routine health screening process. The individuals tested positive for infectious diseases, which prompted their immediate arrest by local authorities.
The Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration in Bani Walid confirmed that these two suspects have been transferred to Tripoli, Libya’s capital city, for more thorough processing. The authorities stated that their eventual repatriation to Nigeria is being arranged to address the situation in accordance with international standards and bilateral agreements between the two nations.
The Migrant Rescue Watch detailed these incidents as follows: “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.”
In relation to the second case, the group stated: “In a separate incident, two Nigerians, a male and a female, were detained in Bani Walid during a routine health screening after testing positive for infectious diseases. They have since been relocated to Tripoli for further action, which includes processing and preparation for repatriation.”
This development underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in combating drug trafficking and managing health concerns among migrant populations in Libya. It also sheds light on the complex legal and humanitarian issues surrounding migration and crime in the region.
