78 Nigerians Rescued From Human Trafficking Return Home From Côte d’Ivoire
In a remarkable show of cross-border collaboration, 78 Nigerians who fell victim to human trafficking in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, have been safely repatriated to Lagos, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.
The special operation, which came at no cost to the Federal Government, was carried out through the joint efforts of the Nigerian Embassy in Abidjan, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigerian community in Abidjan, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and Air Peace Airlines.
The returnees many of whom are young and vulnerable touched down at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, around 11pm on Saturday.
Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, in a statement over the weekend, condemned the “inhumane and criminal act of human trafficking,” reaffirming the Nigerian government’s resolve to protect its citizens and stamp out exploitation.
He lauded the Chairman of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, for his patriotic gesture in facilitating the flight.
The Ministry also expressed deep appreciation to Ivorian authorities and all partners who made the mission possible.
On arrival, the returnees were received by NAPTIP and other agencies for debriefing and support.
The government pledged to continue working with regional and global partners to dismantle trafficking networks and bring perpetrators to justice.
“This operation is not just about bringing our people home it is about restoring their dignity and sending a clear message that Nigeria will not tolerate the abuse of its citizens,” Ebienfa declared.