Libyan government authorities have apprehended a driver who attempted to smuggle four Nigerian women and three children across the Ashkada-Sabha Triangle Gate in southern Libya.

The suspect, identified only by his initials Y.A.M.Y. and born in 1993, was intercepted during a routine inspection by police officers at the checkpoint. According to reports, the driver attempted to evade arrest and even offered a bribe to the officers, which they rejected.

Migrant Rescue Watch confirmed the incident in a statement released on Monday, stating that all individuals involved have been transferred to the Al-Shatti Security Directorate for further investigation.

"Police during an inspection at the Ashkada-Sabha Triangle Gate thwarted an attempted human smuggling attempt and detained a Libyan driver who transported 4 undocumented female migrants and 3 children who were of Nigerian nationality," the statement read.

The statement further revealed that "during the inspection, the driver offered a bribe to police officers to avoid being held accountable. They have been moved to the Al-Shatti Security Directorate and are now awaiting referral to competent judicial authorities."

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of human trafficking and illegal migration affecting Nigerian citizens in North Africa. Libya has long been a transit point for migrants attempting to reach Europe, with many Nigerians falling victim to smuggling networks operating across the region.

The fate of the Nigerian women and children remains unclear as authorities continue their investigation into the smuggling operation.