In response to reports alleging targeted arrests of Nigerians in Libya, the Nigerian government has firmly denied claims that Libyan authorities are detaining Nigerian citizens following a recent Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruling. The CAF decision had granted Nigeria three points and three goals after Libya was penalized for misconduct during a Nations Cup qualifying match.
Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement on Sunday in Abuja, reassuring the public that Nigerians living in Libya were continuing their daily activities without harassment. “The reports of Nigerians being targeted for arrest are unfounded,” he stated, urging Nigerians to remain calm while the ministry monitors the situation closely.
According to Abu-Obe, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to ensuring the well-being and security of Nigerians worldwide.
The statement follows social media campaigns in Libya, reported by Libya INF.TV, calling for restrictions on foreign workers and their deportation. Human rights groups have condemned these campaigns, warning of increased xenophobia toward the large foreign workforce in Libya. Additionally, local Libyan sources have shared unconfirmed reports of Nigerian arrests following the ruling, as tensions between the two nations escalate.
Several Nigerians living in Libya have corroborated reports of arrests. Adenaike Emmanuel, a resident in Tripoli, claimed that detentions had started over the weekend, attributing the development to anger among Libyans over the CAF decision. Peter Omoregbie, president of the Nigerian community in Libya, echoed this in a widely circulated video, alleging indiscriminate arrests of Nigerians across parts of the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that it remains focused on safeguarding the rights of Nigerian citizens abroad, ensuring their protection in the face of rising diplomatic tensions.
