The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has facilitated the return of 13 Nigerians rescued from a human trafficking syndicate in Ghana, describing the development as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with irregular migration.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana for its swift coordination of the rescue and repatriation process, noting that the successful operation reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad.
The returnees, comprising 11 adults and two infants aged four weeks and 16 months, were received in Lagos by the Commission’s Head of Operations on behalf of the Chairman.
According to a statement by NiDCOM’s spokesman, AbdurRahman Balogun, preliminary assessments revealed that some of the women and their children are battling serious health challenges and are currently receiving medical attention, alongside psychological support to address trauma experienced during their ordeal.
Dabiri-Erewa also appreciated Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for providing transportation and other logistics that supported the rescue mission, describing the assistance as critical to ensuring the safe return and dignified reintegration of vulnerable citizens.
As part of reintegration procedures, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) profiled and documented the victims, while NiDCOM coordinated arrangements for their onward movement to their respective states.
The repatriation exercise was led by the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Moses Adeoye, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and partner agencies.
Welcoming the victims home, Dabiri-Erewa cautioned young Nigerians against falling prey to dubious recruitment agents and unverified overseas job offers, stressing that irregular migration exposes many to exploitation, abuse and life-threatening conditions.
She reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with diplomatic missions, security agencies and civil society organisations to combat human trafficking and provide timely intervention for Nigerians in distress abroad.
Michael Olugbode
