Libyan Police Arrest Two Nigerians Over Series of Commercial Robberies in Tripoli

Police authorities in Tripoli, Libya, have arrested two Nigerian nationals accused of orchestrating multiple robberies targeting commercial establishments across the city. The arrests took place on Monday, August 25, following an investigation supported by surveillance footage.

According to Migrant Rescue Watch, an organisation that monitors migrant activities and rights, the suspects, both undocumented migrants were apprehended after being captured on CCTV robbing a convenience store in the Libyan capital. The footage reportedly provided clear evidence linking them to a string of break-ins.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the group disclosed that the accused had been operating in various districts of Tripoli, breaking into commercial outlets with the sole intent of stealing cash. The arrest followed weeks of monitoring after local authorities received reports of repeated thefts affecting shop owners and small businesses.

“Police in Tripoli arrested two undocumented migrants of Nigerian nationality responsible for a series of break-ins and robberies. The accused were targeting commercial stores with the intent of seizing cash. The case has been referred to the public prosecutor for further investigation,” the statement read.

The arrests highlight ongoing security challenges in Tripoli, where authorities have been clamping down on undocumented migrants alleged to be involved in criminal activity. Libya, a major transit point for African migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe, has seen a rise in cases involving undocumented individuals as both victims and suspects in criminal investigations.

Local sources say the authorities are expected to intensify security operations and conduct background checks to determine whether the suspects are linked to other crimes or part of a wider criminal network.