The Nigerian government has rescued eight young girls who were trafficked to Ghana and forced into prostitution. The girls, aged between 15 and 22, were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for rehabilitation and reintegration with their families.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), received the girls in Lagos on Thursday. She praised the collaborative efforts that led to the successful rescue operation and acknowledged the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her role in facilitating the return of the victims.
“These young girls were lured to Ghana with false promises of employment but were forced into sexual exploitation,” Dabiri-Erewa explained.
She emphasized that human trafficking is a serious crime that the Nigerian government is committed to combating. She also noted that there are still many more victims waiting to be rescued and thanked the Ghanaian authorities for their cooperation in the operation.
The girls, who come from various states across Nigeria, including Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Plateau, and Cross River, are now in the care of NAPTIP. They will be provided with safe and comfortable accommodations as they undergo formal rehabilitation and reintegration with their families.
The rescue comes just a week after Favour Ugwu, a 28-year-old Nigerian, was arrested and sentenced to eight years in prison for human trafficking. Ugwu was found guilty of trafficking young Nigerian girls to Ghana and forcing them into prostitution.
Dabiri-Erewa expressed her gratitude to the President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Ghana chapter, Chief Callistus Elozieuwa, the Nigerian embassy in Ghana, and the Interpol units of both Nigeria and Ghana for their significant contributions to the rescue mission.
“We cannot thank our partners in Ghana enough for their support in ensuring the safe return of these young girls,” she said.
In a statement issued by Gabriel Odu for NiDCOM’s Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit, the Nigerian government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens both at home and abroad. The statement highlighted the government’s determination to put an end to human trafficking and provide support for victims.
“The Federal Government is dedicated to combating human trafficking and ensuring that all Nigerians, whether at home or in the diaspora, are safe and protected from exploitation,” the statement read.
Dabiri-Erewa also called for greater awareness and vigilance to prevent such incidents in the future. She urged Nigerians to be cautious of fake job offers and to report any suspicious activities related to human trafficking to the authorities.