Nigerians in Libya are reportedly facing intensified scrutiny and arrests, fueling fears and heightening diplomatic tensions between the two countries. The Federal Government of Nigeria, however, has swiftly countered these reports, urging Nigerians in Libya and their families back home to remain calm.
In a press statement released on Sunday from Abuja, Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dismissed claims that Nigerians were being specifically targeted by Libyan authorities in retaliation for the recent Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruling. The verdict had awarded Nigeria three points and three goals following a complaint about mistreatment of Nigerian players by Libyan officials during a recent Nations Cup qualifier. Abu-Obe assured the public that Nigerians in Libya were conducting their daily lives without interference from local authorities, and emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerian citizens abroad.
Yet, on social media and through local networks, Nigerian nationals in Libya paint a different picture. Human rights organizations have raised alarm as virtual campaigns in Libya demand stricter deportation laws for foreign workers and propose steep fines on undocumented Nigerians. The social media furor has spurred mounting anti-foreigner sentiment, sparking fears among the estimated hundreds of thousands of Nigerian residents in the North African nation.
LIBYA INF.TV, a popular Facebook page with considerable following, recently ignited further anxiety with its posts, calling for the deportation of foreign workers and rallying support for limiting their rights and freedoms. Human rights groups have condemned these campaigns, warning of an escalation in xenophobic attacks and urging the Libyan government to exercise restraint.
The tension reached a boiling point last Saturday when Libyan news outlet Libya News Today 1 called on local authorities to fine and detain undocumented Nigerians, while demanding a hefty $500 penalty and new taxes on foreign workers.
Residents in Libya, particularly Nigerians, claim that arrests have already begun, with Libyan security forces reportedly targeting areas populated by foreigners. According to Adenaike Emmanuel, a Nigerian living in Tripoli, arrests began almost immediately after the social media campaigns. Speaking to a reliable media outlet, she said, “They have already started. On Saturday, they were saying they won’t pay any fine imposed by CAF. People were arrested here in Tripoli on Sunday morning and afternoon. Libyans believe this is their revenge.”
In a widely circulated video shared by Nigeria-based Libyan blogs, Peter Omoregbie, President of the Nigerian community in Libya, confirmed the arrests. He shared harrowing details, alleging that authorities have shown little regard for documentation, detaining people indiscriminately, regardless of whether they possess valid passports or residence permits. “In Tedora, innocent Nigerians are being rounded up, and authorities don’t seem to care about their legal status,” Omoregbie stated. “This kind of thing doesn’t happen in other countries.”
The recent unrest and arrests appear directly linked to the diplomatic fallout over the CAF ruling. Just days ago, Nigerian players were left stranded at a Libyan airport for nearly 18 hours, sparking accusations of retaliation. As tensions continue to escalate, Abu-Obe reassured citizens that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is monitoring the situation closely to prevent further harassment. The government pledged to provide support for Nigerians facing adversity abroad, stating that the welfare of its citizens would remain a top priority.
