Libyan authorities have apprehended four Nigerians in separate operations in Sabha and Bani Walid over allegations of drug trafficking and health risks linked to infectious diseases.
The arrests were announced on Monday by Migrant Rescue Watch, an advocacy group, via a post on X (formerly Twitter).
In Sabha, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) raided the residence of two Nigerian suspects, uncovering 1,200 hallucinogenic pills and other illegal substances. The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Sabha Security Directorate for further investigation.
Confirming the incident, Migrant Rescue Watch stated: “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 a separate operation in Bani Walid, a male and female Nigerian were detained during a routine health screening after testing positive for infectious diseases. They were handed over to the Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM) and transported to Tripoli, Libya’s capital, for further processing and repatriation to Nigeria.
Migrant Rescue Watch further reported, “DCIM Bureau in Bani Walid transferred two Nigerian #migrants (female and male) who tested positive for infectious diseases to Tripoli for repatriation.”
Bani Walid, a key transit hub for migrants aiming to cross into Europe, has been a focus of Libyan authorities’ efforts to curb illegal activities and uphold public health measures.
