At least six Nigerians suspected of being trafficked into Libya were arrested by Libyan police on Sunday.
Migrant Rescue Watch, an organisation monitoring migrant movements in North Africa, disclosed in a statement late Monday that operatives of the Abu Najim Police Department in Sirte intercepted a vehicle transporting the Nigerians. A Libyan driver identified as “A.M.M.” and his mother, who were allegedly involved in the smuggling attempt, were also taken into custody.
“All suspects have been referred to the competent authorities for legal action,” the organisation confirmed.
The arrest highlights ongoing trafficking operations in Libya, a major transit point for migrants seeking to cross into Europe. A similar case was reported in August 2024 when police in Bishr arrested a driver for attempting to smuggle six undocumented Nigerian women. The suspect had initially claimed the women were his relatives to avoid detection, but authorities uncovered the deception.
