FG Mourns 140 Migrants Killed in Djibouti Boat Tragedy

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.

The boat capsized between October 8 and 9, 2026, leaving scores missing, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, Nigeria expressed sympathy to the bereaved families and solidarity with the government and people of Djibouti, describing the incident as a grim reminder of the dangers confronting migrants who undertake perilous journeys in search of economic opportunities.

The statement, signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, said the disaster underscored the urgent need to tackle the underlying factors driving irregular migration, strengthen the fight against migrant smuggling and human trafficking, and promote safe, orderly and regular migration.

It stressed that efforts to prevent such tragedies must align with relevant African Union frameworks and applicable international instruments.

Nigeria emphasised that protecting migrants, particularly children and other vulnerable persons, was a shared responsibility requiring sustained cooperation among countries of origin, transit and destination, as well as regional and international organisations.

According to the government, stronger collaboration is essential to prevent further loss of life, protect migrants’ fundamental rights and dignity, and ensure that migration is managed safely and humanely.

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The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to working with the United Nations, the African Union and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen migration management, raise awareness about the dangers of irregular migration and develop practical measures to address its root causes.

It also called for renewed international cooperation to safeguard human life along migration routes across Africa and beyond, and urged collective efforts to prevent similar tragedies.