Nigerian Girls Rescued from Trafficking in Ghana
A joint operation between the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police, Rescue Live Foundation International, and NIDO Ghana has led to the rescue and repatriation of 13 Nigerian girls from Ghana. This brings the total number of victims rescued since July 2024 to 163.
The girls, aged 19 to 30, were lured to Ghana with promises of lucrative job opportunities but were instead forced into exploitative conditions. Many were bound by oaths of secrecy as their traffickers profited from their misery.
NiDCOM’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, confirmed the rescue in a statement, highlighting the collaborative efforts that made it possible. The victims, who hail from Ebonyi, Benue, Kaduna, and Rivers states, voluntarily surrendered after learning of earlier rescue missions conducted in Kpone Katamanso and Tema, Ghana.
NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, praised the efforts of all parties involved and expressed gratitude to First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru for their support. She reiterated the commission’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes combating human trafficking.
A NiDCOM representative, Akinboye Akinsola, accompanied the victims back to Nigeria, while Callistus Elozieuwa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Rescue Live Foundation International/NIDO Ghana, provided temporary shelter for the victims and facilitated their return. Elozieuwa emphasized the critical role of international collaboration in dismantling trafficking networks.
Valentine Uzo, Senior Special Assistant to the Ebonyi governor, assured that the state government has plans in place to rehabilitate and reintegrate the rescued victims into society.
