Authorities in Libya have detained a man and his mother after they were allegedly caught attempting to smuggle six undocumented Nigerian migrants through Sirte.
The arrest occurred on Sunday, August 17, 2025, during a routine patrol by officers from the Abu Najim Police Department. Law enforcement officials intercepted the suspects’ vehicle in the Sirte area, where the migrants were discovered.
In a statement released on Monday, Migrant Rescue Watch confirmed the development, noting that both the alleged smugglers and the migrants had been transferred to the relevant authorities for further investigation and legal proceedings.
“Abu Najim Police Dept. (Sirte) seized a vehicle and arrested a Libya driver (‘A.M.M.’) accompanied by his mother for attempted human smuggling of 6 undocumented migrants of Nigerian nationality. All referred to competent authorities for legal action,” the organization wrote.
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The case underscores the persistent challenges along Libya’s migration routes, where criminal networks continue to exploit vulnerable people seeking passage toward North Africa’s coastal cities and, ultimately, Europe. Families and individuals often fall into the hands of smugglers who promise safe passage but expose them to arrest, detention, or worse.
With Libya remaining a key transit point for migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa, authorities are under increasing pressure to crack down on smuggling operations while international organizations highlight the humanitarian toll of irregular migration.