The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) on Sunday said it successfully rescued and repatriated 17 Nigerian women who were trafficked to Ghana.
Five suspected traffickers were arrested during the operation, which involved collaboration between Ghanaian authorities, the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Ghana, and the Nigerian High Commission in Accra.
According to NiDCOM spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the operation took place in Kpone Katamanso, Tema, and brings the total number of Nigerian girls repatriated from Ghana since July 2024 to 130.
Akinboye Akinsola, a NiDCOM representative, accompanied the women back to Nigeria, where they were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for rehabilitation.
The victims, aged between 18 and 29, hail from various Nigerian states, including Anambra, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Imo, Edo, and Ebonyi.
They had reportedly been lured to Ghana with promises of employment, only to face exploitation and be bound by oaths of secrecy.
Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Unit Director Williams Ayaregah stated, “More than ever, traffickers must realise that Ghana is no longer a safe haven.”
NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa expressed gratitude to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for her support in ensuring the victims’ safe return and commended the efforts of NIDO Ghana and the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police Unit.
She stated that under the Nigerian government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, NiDCOM remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians abroad.
NiDCOM facilitated the repatriation of two young men, one of whom had been detained in a Ghanaian prison, with NIDO Ghana supporting his rehabilitation and family reintegration in Anambra.