Libyan authorities have reportedly started arresting Nigerian residents across Libya following the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) recent ruling against Libya. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged a complaint over the treatment faced by the Super Eagles, who were held for over 20 hours upon their arrival in Libya for a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. CAF awarded Nigeria three points for the unplayed match and imposed a $50,000 fine on Libya, sparking backlash within the country.
In retaliation, various Libyan media outlets and bloggers began calling for the arrest and heavy taxation of Nigerian workers, leading to mass detentions in Tripoli and other areas. According to reports from community leaders and Nigerian residents, many Nigerians, including those with legal documentation, have been detained. Community leader Peter Omoregbie confirmed that arrests began in certain areas on Sunday, and videos have surfaced showing pleas from detained Nigerians.
Amid the crackdown, Libyan human rights advocate Ahmed Hamza has warned against targeting Nigerian workers, calling for restraint and cautioning that any unlawful acts may have international repercussions. Efforts to obtain official responses from the Libyan and Nigerian embassies have been unsuccessful, though calls are mounting for the Nigerian government to seek intervention from the African Union and investigate possible retaliatory actions.
Former Nigerian ambassador Ogbole Amedu-Ode has urged Nigerians in Libya to remain vigilant and consider relocating temporarily as tensions continue.
