30th September, 2026 | News

Nigerians in Libya Fear Attacks, Arrests as October 1 Exit Warning Spreads

Nigerians living and working in Libya have expressed fear over warnings urging migrants, particularly Africans, to leave the country before October 1, 2026, amid reports of arrests, growing hostility and pressure from landlords to vacate their homes.

The warnings, which have circulated widely on social media and within migrant communities, have heightened anxiety among Nigerians who remain uncertain about the security situation and whether the October 1 deadline represents an official government directive.

Several Nigerians in different parts of Libya told SaharaReporters on Wednesday that tensions had increased in recent days, with some landlords allegedly asking them to find alternative accommodation.

Others said their Libyan employers and colleagues had advised them to stay away from work amid fears of possible attacks and arrests.

One Nigerian worker said his Libyan colleagues had warned him not to report to work on Thursday, urging him to remain indoors and exercise caution.

Another Nigerian said his landlord had already asked tenants to begin looking for alternative accommodation before October 1.

A Nigerian woman living in the country said the warnings appeared to target Africans generally, although Nigerians were frequently mentioned.

She added that some Libyans had accused Nigerian migrants of taking jobs meant for locals, while concerns about undocumented immigration were also contributing to the tension.

Nigerians Fear Arrests, Attacks in Libya

The reported arrests of African migrants have further heightened concerns among Nigerians, particularly those without valid immigration documents.

Some residents said they had reduced their movements and were relying on warnings from friends, colleagues and acquaintances to assess the situation.

One Nigerian resident said the fear extended beyond undocumented migrants, with even those holding valid documents worried about possible developments.

The uncertainty has also prompted some Nigerians to consider staying indoors and avoiding work until the situation becomes clearer.

According to the residents, conflicting information circulating online has made it difficult to distinguish verified security developments from unconfirmed warnings.

October 1 Exit Warning Circulates Online

A message circulating on social media reportedly urges migrants and refugees in Libya to leave the country before October 1.

The warning has been attributed in its circulation to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and calls on migrants to take the developing situation seriously.

It specifically urges migrants without valid documents, employment contracts or official permits issued by Libyan authorities to leave Libya and seek safety in neighbouring countries.

However, Refugees in Libya, a migrant-led organisation monitoring developments involving migrants, has raised concerns about the situation while noting that there was no publicly verifiable Libyan government decree establishing October 1 as a nationwide legal deadline for all foreigners to leave the country.

The absence of a publicly verified government order has done little to ease concerns among Nigerians who say warnings from landlords, colleagues and members of their communities have heightened fears for their safety.

Landlords Reportedly Ask Nigerians to Vacate Homes

Some Nigerians told SaharaReporters that landlords had begun putting pressure on tenants to leave their apartments.

The reported demands have created additional difficulties for migrants who have paid rent, have families in Libya or lack the financial means to relocate.

One Nigerian woman said the uncertainty was particularly difficult for people who had lived and worked in the country for years.

She said many migrants were struggling to decide whether to remain in Libya, relocate or treat the warnings as unverified social media messages.

Nigerians Express Frustration Over Embassy Response

Some Nigerians also expressed frustration over what they described as the response of Nigerian diplomatic authorities.

According to the residents, Nigerians who contacted the Nigerian Embassy for information and assistance were allegedly told that its options were limited, particularly for those without valid immigration documents.

One source said the response had increased the sense of vulnerability among Nigerians seeking guidance.

With uncertainty surrounding the October 1 warning, some migrants said they were relying on informal networks to exchange information about reported arrests, security concerns and whether it was safe to leave their homes.

The situation has left Nigerians in Libya uncertain about whether the warnings will lead to widespread arrests, attacks or forced displacement.

For undocumented Nigerian migrants, the concerns are particularly acute, as police operations targeting migrants without valid papers could expose them to detention or deportation.

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