By Nkechi Eze
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has welcomed the safe return of 13 Nigerians rescued from a human trafficking network in Ghana, commending the Nigerian High Commission in Accra for its pivotal role in facilitating their repatriation.
According to a statement issued by the Commission’s Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa also expressed deep appreciation to the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for her consistent support in rescue operations, particularly through the provision of transportation and other forms of logistical assistance that ensured the victims’ safe return.
The returnees, comprising 11 adults and two infants aged four weeks and 16 months, were received in Lagos on behalf of the NiDCOM Chairman by the Commission’s Head of Operations, Mr Dele Ogunkanbi, who coordinated arrangements to facilitate their onward reintegration.
As part of the reintegration process, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) conducted profiling of the victims in line with standard procedures, while NiDCOM provided critical logistical support to ensure they were safely reunited with their families and returned to their respective states.
The statement noted that some of the rescued women and their children are currently receiving medical attention and mental health support after being diagnosed with serious health conditions, underscoring the physical and emotional toll of human trafficking on victims.
The repatriation exercise was led by the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Adeoye, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and partner agencies, reflecting Nigeria’s sustained diplomatic and institutional commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.
Dabiri-Erewa used the opportunity to reiterate her longstanding concerns over the dangers of irregular migration, warning Nigerian youths to be wary of unverified job offers and travel arrangements that often serve as bait for trafficking syndicates.
She emphasized the Commission’s resolve to continue working with local and international partners to rescue distressed Nigerians, combat human trafficking, and support victims in rebuilding their lives with dignity and hope.
