Nigeria Mourns 140 Migrants Killed in Djibouti Boat Tragedy, Calls for Action Against Irregular Migration
Michael Olugbode in Abuja The Federal Government has expressed condolences to Djibouti following the death of nearly 140 migrants, including 15 children, in a boat disaster off the country’s coast,
Nigeria has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of nearly 140 migrants, including 15 children, in a boat accident off Djibouti's coast, urging urgent global action to tackle the root causes of irregular migration. The incident, which occurred between October 8 and 9, 2026, left many missing, as confirmed by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
Nigeria's Foreign Affairs Ministry conveyed its condolences to the bereaved families and solidarity with Djibouti, emphasizing the incident's grim reminder of the perils faced by migrants seeking economic opportunities.
The tragic event, as stated by the ministry spokesperson Oluwafemi Adeniyi, highlights the pressing need to address the underlying reasons for irregular migration, bolster efforts to combat migrant smuggling and human trafficking, and promote safe, orderly, and regular migration. Nigeria stressed that safeguarding migrants, particularly children and other vulnerable individuals, necessitates collaborative efforts among origin, transit, and destination countries, as well as regional and international organizations.
The government stressed that enhancing cooperation is crucial to prevent further loss of life, protect migrants' rights and dignity, and ensure migration is managed safely and humanely.
Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside the United Nations, the African Union, and other stakeholders to strengthen migration management and raise awareness about the dangers of irregular migration. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks migrants face on perilous journeys, underlining the need for stronger action against criminal networks that facilitate irregular crossings and for sustainable solutions to the factors driving people to leave their homes.
Nigeria reiterated its deepest sympathies to all those impacted by the disaster and called for collective efforts to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
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