The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has successfully rescued and repatriated 13 Nigerian women trafficked to Ghana. This operation increases the total number of trafficking victims brought home since July 2024 to 163.
### Exploitation and False Promises
The rescued victims, aged 19 to 30, were lured from states including Ebonyi, Benue, Kaduna, and Rivers with deceptive promises of lucrative jobs. Instead, they faced exploitative conditions and were bound by oaths of secrecy while traffickers profited from their misery.
### Coordinated Rescue Efforts
NiDCOM’s operation was a collaborative success, involving the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police, Rescue Live Foundation International, and NIDO Ghana. A representative from NiDCOM, Akinboye Akinsola, accompanied the victims back to Nigeria.
Callistus Elozieuwa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Rescue Live Foundation International/NIDO Ghana, provided temporary shelter and logistical support, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration to combat human trafficking.
### Support from Leaders
NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa expressed gratitude to First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru for their support. She reaffirmed the commission’s dedication to protecting Nigerians abroad under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
### Reintegration Plans
Valentine Uzo, Senior Special Assistant to the Ebonyi governor, assured that rehabilitation and reintegration plans are in place to help the victims rebuild their lives.
This coordinated effort reflects a significant step in combating human trafficking and ensuring the safety and dignity of Nigerians abroad.