The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has successfully repatriated 13 Nigerian girls who were trafficked to Ghana. This brings the total number of victims rescued and returned to Nigeria to 163 since July 2024.
In a statement released on Friday, November 15, 2024, NiDCOM spokesperson Abdur-Rahman Balogun confirmed that the operation was conducted in collaboration with the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police, Rescue Live Foundation International, and NIDO Ghana.
The rescued girls, aged between 19 and 30, had been lured to Ghana with promises of employment opportunities, only to find themselves trapped in exploitative conditions.
NiDCOM expressed its gratitude for the coordinated efforts that led to their safe return.
Chairman and CEO of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the efforts of Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, for their support in the repatriation process.
The statement further revealed that the girls came from various Nigerian states, including Ebonyi, Benue, Kaduna, and Rivers.
NiDCOM emphasized its continued commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes the fight against human trafficking.
The victims, who had been forced into secrecy by traffickers, voluntarily surrendered after learning of previous rescues in Ghana.
They were provided temporary shelter before their return, with measures already in place for their rehabilitation and reintegration upon arrival in Nigeria.
