The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), in collaboration with key stakeholders, has successfully rescued and repatriated another 13 trafficked girls from Ghana.
This brings the total number of trafficked victims rescued and returned to Nigeria over the past five months to 163.
The recent operation, conducted over the weekend, was a result of coordinated efforts involving the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police, Rescue Live Foundation International, and NIDO Ghana, in partnership with NiDCOM.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, expressed her profound appreciation to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Governor Francis Nwifuru, for their critical support in facilitating the safe return of the victims.
She also commended Chief Callistus Elozieuwa, BOT Chairman of Rescue Live Foundation International/NIDO Ghana, and the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police Unit for their efforts in ensuring justice for the traffickers.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NiDCOM Chairman
Reaffirming NiDCOM’s commitment to combating human trafficking under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the Commission’s dedication to safeguarding the rights of Nigerians at home and abroad.
According to a statement by NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the 13 young women rescued in the latest operation, aged 19 to 30, hail from Ebonyi, Benue, Kaduna, and Rivers states.
They were lured to Ghana with false promises of employment but were instead forced into exploitative situations and bound by oaths of secrecy while their traffickers profited from their suffering.
NiDCOM representative, Mr. Akinboye Akinsola, who accompanied the victims back to Nigeria, revealed that the women willingly surrendered themselves after learning of earlier rescue operations conducted in Kpone Katamanso and Tema.
Upon arrival, the victims were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for rehabilitation and reintegration.
Chief Callistus Elozieuwa highlighted the role of Rescue Live Foundation International/NIDO Ghana in providing temporary shelter and support for the victims before their return to Nigeria.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ebonyi State, Mr. Valentine Okike Uzo, thanked Governor Nwifuru for prioritizing the welfare of Ebonyi indigenes at home and abroad.
He assured that the state government is committed to ensuring proper rehabilitation for the victims from Ebonyi State.
The National Assembly has finalised plans to extend the 2024 budget cycle beyond its scheduled…
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has expressed his desire to keep Marcus Rashford at the…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session…