The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has announced the repatriation of 13 trafficked Nigerian girls from Ghana.
According to a statement signed by the NiDCOM’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, on Friday, the latest rescue brought the total number of trafficked victims repatriated since July to 163.
“The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission alongside other stakeholders have rescued another set of 13 trafficked girls from Ghana, thus bringing the total repatriated back to the country within five months to 163.
“Among the 163 included the 13 girls that were rescued and brought back to Nigeria over the weekend,” the statement read in part.
Balogun said the operation was carried out through a collaborative effort involving the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police, Rescue Live Foundation International, and NIDO Ghana, with the support of NiDCOM.
He noted that the girls hail from various states, including Ebonyi, Benue, Kaduna, and Rivers.
The rescued girls, aged between 19 and 30 years, were reportedly lured to Ghana under the pretense of employment opportunities but were instead trapped in exploitative conditions.
The Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed appreciation on the coordinated efforts that made the operation possible.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasised that NiDCOM remained committed to protecting Nigerians abroad as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises combating human trafficking and safeguarding citizens’ rights.
A NiDCOM representative who accompanied the victims back to Nigeria, Akinboye Akinsola, noted that the girls surrendered voluntarily after hearing of prior rescue missions in Kpone Katamanso and Tema in Ghana.
The Board of Trustees Chairman of Rescue Live Foundation International/NIDO Ghana, Callistus Elozieuwa, explained that the organisation provided temporary shelter for the victims before facilitating their safe return.
By Gift Habib @The PUNCH
