The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has repatriated another 13 trafficked Nigerian girls from Ghana, bringing the total number of victims rescued and returned to the country since July 2024 to 163.
A statement issued on Friday by the NiDCOM spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun confirmed that 13 young women, aged between 19 and 30, were rescued during this latest operation.
The girls were lured to Ghana with false promises of lucrative employment but ended up in exploitative conditions.
The operation was a collaborative effort involving the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police, Rescue Live Foundation International, and NIDO Ghana, with support from NiDCOM.
The victims were provided temporary shelter by Rescue Live Foundation International before arrangements were made for their safe return to Nigeria.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Rescue Live Foundation International and NIDO Ghana, Callistus Elozieuwa, emphasized the critical role international cooperation plays in dismantling human trafficking networks.
“Through collaboration, we are making significant strides in bringing victims back to safety and disrupting these criminal enterprises,” Elozieuwa stated.
The victims, hailing from various states including Ebonyi, Benue, Kaduna, and Rivers, reportedly surrendered voluntarily after hearing of earlier rescue missions conducted in Kpone Katamanso and Tema, Ghana.
The Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed her gratitude for the teamwork that ensured the operation’s success.
She particularly acknowledged the contributions of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, for their critical support during the repatriation process.
“NiDCOM remains committed to protecting Nigerians abroad as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes combating human trafficking and safeguarding citizens’ rights,” Dabiri-Erewa affirmed.
In addition to their physical and emotional ordeals, the girls were reportedly subjected to oaths of secrecy, ensuring their silence while traffickers exploited them for financial gain.
Upon their return, efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate the victims into society are already in motion.
Senior Special Assistant to the Ebonyi State Governor, Valentine Uzo, assured that the state government has established comprehensive measures to support the young women in rebuilding their lives.
This latest rescue marks a significant milestone in NiDCOM’s mission to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable citizens abroad.
It also highlights the importance of vigilance and collaboration in addressing a global issue that continues to threaten countless lives.
NiDCOM’s spokesperson reaffirmed the commission’s resolve, “With continued cooperation between stakeholders, we aim to prevent more Nigerians from falling victim to traffickers and ensure justice is served against these criminal networks.”
