The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has announced the successful repatriation of 13 Nigerians, including two infants, who were rescued from a human trafficking network in Ghana.
The rescue and subsequent return of the victims comprising 11 adults and two babies aged four weeks and 16 months was made possible through a coordinated effort between the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana and several partner agencies.
High-Level Coordination
The repatriation exercise was led by Ambassador Adeoye, the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana. Upon their arrival in Lagos, the group was received by Mr. Dele Ogunkanbi, NiDCOM’s Head of Operations in Lagos, on behalf of the Commission’s Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
In a statement released by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM’s Head of Media and Public Relations, Dabiri-Erewa lauded the diplomatic team in Ghana and expressed deep gratitude to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her consistent support in providing transportation and logistical aid for such rescue missions.
Rehabilitation and Health Concerns
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has commenced the formal profiling of the returnees to initiate their reintegration into society. However, the immediate focus remains on their physical and emotional well-being.
“Some of the rescued women and their children are currently receiving urgent medical care and mental health support,” the Commission noted. “Initial assessments have diagnosed several individuals with serious health conditions resulting from their ordeal.”
A Warning Against Irregular Migration
While celebrating their safe return, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa issued a stern reminder to the public about the escalating dangers of irregular migration. She urged young Nigerians to remain vigilant and skeptical of unverified job offers abroad that often serve as fronts for trafficking syndicates.
NiDCOM provided the necessary logistical assistance to ensure that, following their medical clearance and profiling, the survivors are safely transported back to their respective home states.
