Relief has come to 78 Nigerian girls and young women trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire as they were safely repatriated to Nigeria early Sunday morning.
The victims arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at approximately 1:00 a.m., where they were received by officials from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
Some of the returnees were visibly pregnant, highlighting the severity of the abuse they had suffered while in captivity.
Dr. Binta Bello, Director-General of NAPTIP, described the rescue as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against transnational human trafficking.
She referred to the victims as “rescued daughters of the nation,” emphasizing that their return symbolizes a renewed national commitment to ending trafficking crimes.
Dr. Bello disclosed that several suspects involved in the trafficking ring have already been apprehended and will face prosecution.
Although she withheld specific details for operational reasons, she assured the public that NAPTIP is working closely with international partners to dismantle the criminal networks responsible.
She also noted that the successful return of the victims was the result of a coordinated effort between the Nigerian government, international collaborators, and private sector support.
Air Peace Airlines played a major role by facilitating the return flight at no cost to the victims or government.
Allen Onyema, Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, personally oversaw the mission, calling it a moral responsibility rather than a business decision.
According to Onyema, some of the girls rescued were only 13 or 14 years old at the time of their trafficking.
He condemned the inhumane treatment they suffered and stressed the need for more national unity and action against such crimes.
Despite an estimated ₦400 million in financial losses due to canceled and delayed flights, Onyema insisted that no monetary value can equal human life.
He announced that all 78 returnees would receive full medical care at Duchess International Hospital, including screenings for HIV, pregnancy, and other health concerns.
Onyema added that Air Peace, through its corporate social responsibility programs, would cover the cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation for the victims.
He pledged continued support for the repatriation of another 72 Nigerian girls still trapped in similar conditions in Côte d’Ivoire.
Dr. Bello stated that the victims will undergo a comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration program, which includes medical care, psychological support, and vocational training.
She emphasized the need for community vigilance, urging Nigerians to report suspicious recruitment offers or trafficking indicators.
According to NAPTIP, hundreds of Nigerian girls are trafficked each year to countries in West Africa, Europe, and the Middle East under false pretenses.
These victims are often lured with fake job opportunities or scholarships and end up in forced labor or sexual exploitation.
The International Labour Organization estimates that over 24 million people globally are victims of human trafficking, with many from vulnerable communities in Africa.
Nigeria remains both a source and transit country for trafficking, driven by poverty, unemployment, and inadequate access to education.
Dr. Bello reiterated NAPTIP’s commitment to holding traffickers accountable and ensuring that victims are not only rescued but also restored to dignity.
She called on stakeholders to support the agency’s work through advocacy, community outreach, and policy support.
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The rescue operation is seen as a major step forward in combating trafficking and restoring hope to survivors.
It also highlights the critical role of public-private partnerships in addressing national and global humanitarian crises.
The visibly emotional returnees were greeted by immigration officials, healthcare workers, and human rights advocates.
Many of them expressed relief and gratitude, with tears in their eyes, as they stepped back onto Nigerian soil.
Sunday’s operation marks the beginning of a broader rescue mission, with Air Peace and NAPTIP committed to flying home more Nigerian girls trapped in similar circumstances
