FG Receives 231 Trafficked Youths Rescued In Ghana

In a joint effort involving multiple agencies, 231 Nigerian boys and girls trafficked to Ghana have been successfully rescued and brought back to Nigeria, with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) coordinating their return transportation.

Many of these victims were deceived with promises of well-paying jobs, only to be forced into committing internet fraud using provided laptops before their rescue.

Dominic Mensah, Staff Officer and Head of Human Trafficking at Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), reported that the victims were found during a recent raid on an estate where they were being held.

He noted that 27 suspected traffickers were apprehended during the operation.

“We got intelligence on the location two weeks ago and struck last week. We found underage youths and adults held there. Some were sick, and to prevent a humanitarian crisis, the Ghanaian government decided to repatriate them back to Nigeria,” Mensah explained.

Subsequently, NIDCOM, supported by Her Excellency, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Wema Bank, promptly arranged the victims’ return. The victims were formally handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further profiling and assistance.
The owner of the estate where the victims were confined is currently facing trial in Ghana, with assurances that all members of the trafficking network will be apprehended and prosecuted.

The victims, aged between 15 and 38 years, include 76 individuals from Edo State, 6 from Anambra, 17 from Delta, 13 from Bayelsa, 19 from Imo, 12 from Enugu, 8 from Ebonyi, 7 from Cross River, 9 from Abia, 4 from Niger, 3 from Akwa Ibom, 6 from Kogi, 1 from Ondo, and one from Osun.

In Lagos, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, welcomed the victims and urged them not to feel ashamed of their experience.

“You are being received on behalf of President Bola Tinubu. The President cares about you and every Nigerian, regardless of where you reside. Hold your heads high. For those who want to return to school or learn a trade, support will be provided through your state governments,” Dabiri-Erewa assured.

She expressed gratitude to key stakeholders who aided the rescue and repatriation, including First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu (CON), Wema Bank for covering transportation costs and providing financial aid, Chief Callistus Elozieuwa, Chairman BOT, NIDO Ghana, the Nigerian High Commissioner in Ghana, Ambassador Adeoye, and Airtel, whose staff provided starter packs to victims with their NIN.

Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the government’s commitment to prosecuting human traffickers, similar to its stance against drug traffickers.

“They will not go scot-free. Traffickers will be punished. NAPTIP and other agencies will help you reintegrate and find jobs. You have a bright future ahead,” while also urging state governments to support victims from their respective states.

Similarly, NAPTIP Zonal Commander Comfort Agboka stated that all victims would undergo thorough profiling, and the suspects would be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli