Libyan Human Smuggler Kills 21 African Migrants After Ransom Failure

At least 21 African migrants have been confirmed dead following a brutal ransom-related killing by a Libyan human smuggler in Ajdabiya city, eastern Libya, authorities have revealed.

The tragic discovery was made after operatives of the Internal Security Agency (ISA), Ajdabiya branch, raided a farm on the outskirts of the city on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The farm reportedly belonged to a Libyan national with a known criminal record linked to human smuggling activities. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

According to security officials, the raid uncovered a makeshift detention facility where several African migrants were being held in deplorable conditions while their families were pressured to pay ransom for their release.

Investigations revealed that 21 migrants of different African nationalities were allegedly killed by the smuggler after their families failed to meet the ransom demands. Their remains were later discovered in a mass grave within the farm premises.

The suspect was immediately arrested and has been handed over to the appropriate judicial authorities for prosecution.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage among local residents, civil society groups, and human rights activists, many of whom have described the killings as a crime against humanity. Calls have intensified for the suspect to face the maximum penalty under the law, including the death sentence.

Libya remains a major transit route for migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean into Europe, with thousands often falling victim to human traffickers, extortion, torture, and abuse.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing to identify possible accomplices and to rescue any remaining victims connected to the smuggling network.