Thirteen more Nigerian girls, trafficked to Ghana under false pretenses, have been safely rescued and brought back to Nigeria, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) announced on November 15. This brings the total number of trafficked victims rescued since July 2024 to 163.
The girls, aged between 19 and 30, were promised employment opportunities in Ghana but were instead forced into exploitative conditions. The operation, which took place over the weekend, was a collaborative effort involving NiDCOM, the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police, Rescue Live Foundation International, and NIDO Ghana.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, praised the coordinated efforts behind the rescue and acknowledged key figures, including First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, for their support. She also expressed gratitude to Chief Callistus Elozieuwa and the Ghanaian authorities for their role in bringing the traffickers to justice.
The victims, who come from Ebonyi, Benue, Kaduna, and Rivers States, were held under coercion and an oath of secrecy. They were rescued after hearing about previous operations in Ghana and voluntarily came forward to authorities.
NiDCOM is committed to supporting the safe return and reintegration of trafficked Nigerians, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes combating human trafficking. The Ebonyi state government has already put plans in place to help the girls reintegrate into society and rebuild their lives.
