# West African migrant repatriation efforts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/west-african-migrant-repatriation-efforts
> Updated: 2026-08-14T20:05:37.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

In August 2026, several West African nations facilitated the repatriation of citizens returning from Libya and Niger through voluntary return programs.

In Nigeria, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) received 178 nationals from Tripoli via the Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) Programme. Coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the group received medical screenings and humanitarian aid to support reintegration. This arrival highlights a shift toward nationally led humanitarian action in Nigeria as the United Nations moves toward a technical support role.

Simultaneously, Côte d’Ivoire repatriated 254 migrants through operations organized by the IOM and the European Union. These groups arrived from Niger and Libya, receiving psychosocial, medical, and financial assistance upon arrival in Abidjan. Officials noted that over 4,000 Ivorian citizens have returned to the country since the start of the year following hazardous journeys.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-14: Côte d’Ivoire repatriates 254 migrants from Libya and Niger

A total of 254 Ivorian migrants were repatriated to Abidjan from Libya and Niger in August 2026 through voluntary return programs supported by the IOM and the European Union.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cte-divoire-repatriates-254-migrants-from-libya-and-niger

### 2026-08-11: Nigeria receives 178 returnees from Tripoli under assisted voluntary program

NEMA and the IOM facilitated the return of 178 Nigerians from Libya to Lagos, highlighting Nigeria's shift toward domestic leadership in humanitarian coordination and crisis response.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-receives-178-returnees-from-tripoli-under-assisted-voluntary-program

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Cite as: West African migrant repatriation efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/west-african-migrant-repatriation-efforts