13 trafficked Nigerian girls repatriated from Ghana: NiDCOM’s ongoing rescue efforts

NiDCOM has successfully repatriated 13 trafficked Nigerian girls from Ghana, bringing the total to 163 since July 2024.

 

 

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has announced the successful repatriation of 13 Nigerian girls trafficked to Ghana.

The latest rescue operation, which took place over the weekend, brings the total number of trafficked victims returned to Nigeria to 163 since July 2024.

 

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In a statement issued on Friday by NiDCOM’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, it was confirmed that the 13 girls were rescued through a joint operation involving NiDCOM, the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police, Rescue Live Foundation International, and NIDO Ghana.

This collaboration highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating human trafficking.

The girls, aged between 19 and 30, had been lured to Ghana under false promises of employment. Instead of securing jobs, they were trapped in exploitative conditions, where they were forced into various forms of abuse. Their traffickers, who bound them by an oath of secrecy, profited from their suffering.

NiDCOM’s Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed her gratitude for the coordinated efforts of all involved in the operation. She also thanked the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, for their contributions to the repatriation process.

As part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, NiDCOM remains committed to combating human trafficking and protecting Nigerians living abroad.

Dabiri-Erewa emphasized that the commission’s work extends beyond just rescuing victims, aiming to dismantle trafficking networks and provide long-term support to those affected.

The 13 girls were among the 163 trafficked individuals who have been safely returned to Nigeria over the last five months.

They come from various Nigerian states, including Ebonyi, Benue, Kaduna, and Rivers. According to NiDCOM, the trafficked girls voluntarily surrendered after hearing about earlier successful rescue operations in Ghana, specifically in Kpone Katamanso and Tema.

Callistus Elozieuwa, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Rescue Live Foundation International and NIDO Ghana, praised the critical role of the foundation in providing temporary shelter for the victims before their return to Nigeria.

Elozieuwa stressed the need for continued global cooperation to tackle trafficking networks and prevent further exploitation.

Valentine Uzo, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ebonyi State, confirmed that the state government has already put measures in place for the rehabilitation and reintegration of the rescued girls.

With the support of NiDCOM and other partners, the girls will receive the care and assistance needed to help them rebuild their lives.

NiDCOM’s ongoing efforts demonstrate the commission’s dedication to the safety and well-being of Nigerians abroad.

The work continues to be an integral part of Nigeria’s broader commitment to combat human trafficking and ensure the protection of its citizens.