The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), in partnership with the Nigeria in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), has successfully rescued 200 Nigerian girls from human trafficking networks in just four months.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the NIDCOM Chairman and CEO, announced this achievement on Thursday while receiving three girls who had been trafficked from Ghana.
The victims, aged 19, 18, and 17, are from Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states.
Dabiri-Erewa credited the successful operation to the combined efforts of NIDO Ghana, NAPTIP, the Nigerian High Commission, the Ghana Police, and the Nigerian First Lady’s Office.
Despite extensive awareness efforts, she expressed concern that many Nigerians continue to fall victim to traffickers, particularly those who use familiar faces to manipulate victims.
She emphasized that parents should remain vigilant and carefully monitor their children’s social circles.
“Traffickers often exploit close family ties, convincing their victims not to alert anyone about their plans,” Dabiri-Erewa remarked.
Since January, NIDCOM has facilitated the return of around 200 trafficking survivors from Ghana to Nigeria, with significant assistance from Calistus Elozieuwa, Chairman of NIDO Ghana.
Dabiri-Erewa also confirmed that four traffickers involved in the recent case have been apprehended and will be prosecuted.
The three rescued girls will be processed by NAPTIP and returned to their families for rehabilitation.
Dabiri-Erewa also noted that ten additional survivors are still in Ghana but are expected to return to Nigeria soon.
“NIDCOM is committed to supporting the efforts of our partners in this fight against trafficking. We provide logistical assistance to help bring these girls back safely and help them rebuild their lives,” she said.
One of the survivors shared how her aunt lured her and her cousin to Ghana with promises of jobs in a boutique and bar, only to force them into prostitution shortly after their arrival.
They eventually managed to escape and were taken to the police by a kind stranger.
“We had to flee. A man found us and brought us to the police station,” one of the Bayelsa-born girls recounted.
Another survivor from Akwa Ibom explained that her aunt promised her a job in a supermarket but instead pushed her into prostitution. After enduring daily abuse, she reluctantly complied.
Fortunately, another victim managed to escape, return with the police, and help free the others.
Dabiri-Erewa stressed the importance of continued public education and awareness campaigns to combat human trafficking in Nigeria and protect those at risk.