By Ebi Kesiena
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has welcomed home 13 Nigerians rescued from a human trafficking network in Ghana, commending the swift intervention of the Nigerian High Commission in Accra.
The development was contained in a statement issued by Head of Media, NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, in which the Commission’s Chairman, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, praised the High Commission for facilitating the safe return of the victims.
Dabiri-Erewa also expressed appreciation to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her consistent support in providing transportation and other forms of assistance during rescue and repatriation operations.
According to the statement, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) carried out profiling of the returnees as part of standard reintegration protocols. NiDCOM, on its part, provided logistical support to ensure their safe movement back to their respective states.
The 13 returnees were formally received on behalf of the NiDCOM Chairman by the Commission’s Head of Operations in Lagos, Mr. Dele Ogunkanbi.
Reiterating longstanding concerns over irregular migration, Dabiri-Erewa warned young Nigerians against falling prey to unverified job offers and questionable travel arrangements abroad. She stressed that many trafficking cases are fueled by desperation and misinformation, urging citizens to verify opportunities through appropriate government channels before embarking on foreign trips.
The rescued group comprises 11 adults and two infants aged four weeks and 16 months, respectively. An initial assessment revealed that some of the women and their children are currently receiving medical treatment and psychosocial support after being diagnosed with serious health conditions linked to their ordeal.
The repatriation mission was led by Ambassador Adeoye, Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and partner agencies, highlighting ongoing bilateral cooperation in combating human trafficking and protecting Nigerian nationals abroad.
Meanwhile, NiDCOM reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of Nigerians in the diaspora, while calling for heightened vigilance among citizens to curb the menace of human trafficking.
