Five Nigerian nationals have been arrested in Sabha, southern Libya, over allegations of stealing electrical equipment from a local farm.
The arrests were carried out by officers of the Al-Qahira Police Department on Sunday, May 25, according to a report shared by Migrant Rescue Watch, a group that monitors migrant-related developments in North Africa and the Mediterranean region.
The news was made public through a social media post on Monday, May 26. The statement read: “#Libya 25.05.25 – Al-Qahira Police Dept. (Sabha) arrested 5 #migrants of Nigerian nationality for theft of electrical equipment from a farm. All referred to public prosecution for legal action.”
The identities of the suspects have not been disclosed, and there is no official statement yet from Nigerian authorities regarding the arrest. The suspects have reportedly been transferred to Libya’s public prosecution office, where they will face legal proceedings.
Sabha is a major city in southern Libya and a known hub for African migrants attempting to cross into Europe through the Mediterranean. Many Nigerians, fleeing economic hardship or seeking better opportunities, travel through the Sahara Desert into Libya as part of their journey north.
However, many migrants face harsh conditions in Libya, including arbitrary detention, exploitation, and legal challenges. Reports of arrests, especially involving African migrants, are frequent in the region.
The Nigerian government has previously worked through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to repatriate stranded citizens from Libya. Many of those returned have shared accounts of difficult living conditions, abuse, and lack of access to legal support.
While the circumstances surrounding this particular case remain unclear, the arrest adds to the growing concern over the safety and treatment of Nigerian migrants in North Africa. Human rights groups have consistently called for more protection and support for Nigerians facing legal troubles abroad.
Efforts to contact the Nigerian Embassy in Libya for comment were unsuccessful at the time of this report. It is also unclear if the suspects will be given access to consular services or legal representation.
Authorities in both Libya and Nigeria are being urged to ensure that due process is followed and the rights of the accused are respected.