The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has reported that some Nigerians are among 53 migrants feared dead after a rubber boat carrying 55 people capsized off the coast of Libya.
The incident occurred north of Zuwara on February 6. Only two Nigerian women were rescued during a search-and-rescue operation conducted by Libyan authorities. One survivor lost her husband, while the other lost two children.
According to IOM, the vessel departed Al-Zawiya, Libya, around 11 pm on February 5 and capsized about six hours later after taking on water. The boat carried migrants and refugees of various African nationalities attempting to reach Europe via the Central Mediterranean route.
IOM teams provided emergency medical care to the survivors and mourned the continuing loss of lives along this migration corridor. Data shows that over 1,300 migrants went missing in the Central Mediterranean in 2025, and at least 484 have been reported dead or missing so far in 2026.
The organisation warned that human trafficking and smuggling networks exploit migrants by forcing them into unsafe crossings, exposing them to extreme risks. IOM called for stronger international cooperation, protection-focused responses, and safer migration pathways to prevent further tragedies.
