Nigeria issues warnings regarding diaspora group legitimacy and Libya migration risks

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has issued a warning to the Nigerian government and foreign missions to avoid engaging with a group calling itself ‘NIDO Worldwide.’ NiDCOM described the group as a ‘phantom’ organization with no legal authority to represent the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) globally. The commission identified Chibuzor Ubochi, who claims to lead the group, as a factional chairman of a single continental chapter currently facing legal proceedings.

Separately, warnings have been issued to Nigerians and other West Africans regarding irregular migration routes through Libya. Reports indicate that migrants traveling through the North African nation face severe risks, including detention in unofficial facilities, physical assault, extortion, and forced labor. There are also significant concerns regarding sexual violence and exploitation, particularly targeting women, as well as ransom demands made to families of those detained.