In a successful operation, 13 Nigerian girls have been rescued from human traffickers in Ghana. This rescue brings the total number of victims repatriated to Nigeria in just five months to 163. The girls, aged 19 to 30 years, come from different states including Ebonyi, Benue, Kaduna, and Rivers.
The operation was carried out thanks to the combined efforts of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police, The Rescue Live Foundation International, and NIDO Ghana. These organizations worked together to ensure the safe return of the victims.
Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols for NIDCOM, confirmed that this rescue is part of ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and support Nigerians who are trapped in such situations abroad.
“They were lured to Ghana under the false promises of employment but were instead forced into exploitative situations and bound by an oath of secrecy, while the traffickers are making money off the dastardly act.
“NiDCOM representative, Mr Akinboye Akinsola, who accompanied the ladies back to Nigeria, where they were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for rehabilitation and reintegration said these set of ladies surrendered themselves willingly, having heard of the ealier operation conducted in Kpone Katamanso and Tema.
“Chief Callistus Elozieuwa said with Rescue live Foundation International/NIDO Ghana’s assistance, the ladies were provided shelter for some days after they all willingly indicated their interest to come back home.
Valentine Okike Uzo, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ebonyi State, thanked the Governor for his support in bringing the girls back home. He also reassured that proper rehabilitation programs would be provided for the victims, especially those from Ebonyi State, to help them recover from their traumatic experiences.
This rescue is another important step in the fight against human trafficking, showing the strength of international cooperation in protecting vulnerable individuals and bringing justice to those involved in trafficking crimes.
