The Nigerian government has successful repatriated of 78 Nigerian nationals who were victims of human trafficking from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The operation was facilitated by the Embassy of Nigeria in Abidjan, NAPTIP, Nigerian Community in Abidjan and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with Air Peace Airlines, at no cost to the Federal Government. The special flight arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja Lagos, Saturday night.
A statement issued by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa says the Nigerian government remains committed to protecting its citizens and combating human trafficking.
The Ministry condemns in the strongest terms the inhumane and criminal act of human trafficking which exploits vulnerable individuals, especially underage girls.
The statement further commended, Dr. Allen Onyema, the Chairman of Air Peace Airlines, for his patriotism and kind hearted intervention, and urge all stakeholders—including civil society, international partners, and the public—to join efforts in eradicating human trafficking .
The returnees were taken to the Lagos command of NAPTIP for debriefing and profiling on arrival.
The government says it will continue to work with regional partners to dismantle trafficking networks and prosecute perpetrators and that it remains resolute in its duty to safeguard the dignity and rights of its citizens, both at home and abroad.
This is the second batch of Nigerians trafficked to other African countries to be repatriated in recent times.
On Friday, April 25th, over 200 Nigerians were repatriated from Ghana after they were trafficked there and forced into cybercrime by a criminal syndicate.
