In a major breakthrough against human trafficking, 231 Nigerian youths — both boys and girls — have been rescued from Ghana and safely returned to Nigeria in a coordinated multi-agency effort. The operation, facilitated by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), saw victims freed from forced involvement in cybercrime activities after being trafficked under the guise of lucrative job offers.
According to Staff Officer Dominic Mensah, Head of Human Trafficking at Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the victims were discovered during a recent raid on an estate where they had been confined. The operation also led to the arrest of 27 suspected traffickers, while the estate owner is currently facing trial in Ghana.
“We received intelligence about the location two weeks prior and conducted the raid last week. The victims, some underage and some in ill health, were found in distressing conditions. To avert a humanitarian crisis, the Ghanaian government arranged for their repatriation,” Mensah stated.
The rescue operation was carried out with the support of Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Wema Bank, and other stakeholders. Wema Bank covered transportation costs and provided financial relief for the victims, while Airtel was present to distribute starter packs to those with their National Identification Numbers (NIN).
On arrival in Lagos, the victims were formally received by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM. Addressing the victims, she conveyed the concern and support of President Bola Tinubu, urging them not to feel ashamed of their ordeal.
“The President cares deeply about every Nigerian, whether home or abroad. Hold your heads high — this is not your fault. For those interested in education or vocational training, support will be extended through your state governments,” Dabiri-Erewa assured.
She also thanked key partners in the rescue operation, including Chief Callistus Elozieuwa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for NIDO Ghana, the Nigerian High Commissioner in Ghana, Ambassador Adeoye, and various corporate bodies.
Dabiri-Erewa reiterated the Nigerian government’s commitment to intensifying the fight against human trafficking, promising that perpetrators would face justice. “Just as drug traffickers are punished, so too will human traffickers. They will not go unpunished,” she vowed.
The victims, whose ages range between 15 and 38 years, hailed from various Nigerian states, with Edo State recording the highest number at 76 victims. Others include Delta (17), Imo (19), Bayelsa (13), Enugu (12), Ebonyi (8), Cross River (7), Abia (9), Anambra (6), Kogi (6), Niger (4), Akwa Ibom (3), Ondo (1), and Osun (1).
NAPTIP Zonal Commander, Comfort Agboka, confirmed that all victims would undergo thorough profiling to aid their rehabilitation, while suspects would be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.
This successful operation underscores the need for continued vigilance and cross-border collaboration to combat human trafficking, and for state governments to provide robust support systems for rescued victims.
