They’re a Burden to Us - Libya Commences Mass Arrest of Nigerians after AFCON Qualifier Verdict

Libyan authorities has initiated a mass arrest of Nigerian citizens residing in the country following a controversial verdict by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on October 26, 2024.

This action comes in the wake of a botched Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Nigeria and Libya, which led to massive diplomatic tensions.

The Nigerian football team, the Super Eagles, faced severe mistreatment upon their arrival in Libya for the match. They were detained at Al-Abraq Airport for over 20 hours, a situation that prompted the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to file an official complaint with CAF.

In response, CAF awarded Nigeria three points and three goals for the abandoned match and imposed a $50,000 fine on the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) for breaching several regulations.

The LFF President, Nasser Al-Suwai’I, criticized the decision as "unjust and malicious," suggesting that the NFF's influence within CAF played a role in the outcome.

The verdict has sparked outrage in Libya, leading to calls for the deportation of Nigerians. Libyan media outlets have been at the forefront of this campaign, urging the government to arrest undocumented Nigerian workers and impose fines.

A popular Libyan news blog, Libya News Today 1, stated, "All Libyan TV channels are urging the government to arrest the Nigerian workers who are working here in Libya without legal papers." The blog further claimed that Nigerians should pay a $500 tax to regulate their stay.

Reports indicate that arrests began on Sunday, November 3, 2024, with Libyan authorities targeting Nigerians regardless of their legal status. Adenaike Emmanuel, a Nigerian resident in Tripoli, confirmed the arrests, noting that they started shortly after the CAF verdict was publicized.

The President of the Nigerian community in Libya, Peter Omoregbie, expressed concern over the indiscriminate nature of the arrests, highlighting that even those with valid passports or residence permits were not spared.

The situation has raised alarms among international observers, with calls for intervention to prevent further escalation. The Nigerian Embassy in Libya, however, finds its hands tied, as community leaders and citizens appeal for international support to address the crisis.