13 more trafficked Nigerian girls rescued from Ghana - NiDCOM

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has announced the repatriation of 13 trafficked Nigerian girls from Ghana.

According to a statement dated Friday, November 15, 2024 and signed by spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM said the latest rescue brings the total number of trafficked victims sent back home to Nigeria since July 2024 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," it said.

“Among the 163 included the 13 girls that were rescued and brought back to Nigeria over the weekend,” the statement read.

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.

The rescued girls, aged between 19 and 30 years, were reportedly lured to Ghana under the pretence of employment opportunities but were instead trapped in exploitative conditions.

The Chairman and CEO of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed her appreciation for the coordinated efforts that made the operation possible.

She thanked Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, for their roles in supporting the repatriation process.

Dabiri-Erewa emphasised that the commission remains committed to protecting Nigerians abroad as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises combating human trafficking and safeguarding citizens’ rights.

The statement noted that the girls hail from various states, including Ebonyi, Benue, Kaduna and Rivers.

“The rescued young girls, ages 19 to 30 years, are from Ebonyi, Benue, Kaduna and Rivers states.

“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,” the statement added.

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, Ghana.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees, Rescue Live Foundation International/NIDO Ghana,  Callistus Elozieuwa, explained that the organisation provided temporary shelter for the victims before facilitating their safe return.

He highlighted the importance of international cooperation in combating trafficking networks.

Valentine Uzo, the Senior Special Assistant to the Ebonyi governor, assured that the state government had already put measures in place for the proper rehabilitation and reintegration of the rescued girls.

Source: The Punch