The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has facilitated the repatriation of 13 Nigerians rescued from a human trafficking syndicate in Ghana, raising fresh concerns over the risks associated with irregular migration and deceptive overseas job offers.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the swift action of the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana for coordinating the rescue and return of the victims. She said the operation reflects the Federal Government’s sustained commitment to safeguarding Nigerians abroad.
The returnees—11 adults and two infants aged four weeks and 16 months—were received in Lagos by the Commission’s Head of Operations on behalf of the Chairman.
In a statement issued by NiDCOM’s spokesman, AbdurRahman Balogun, preliminary assessments indicated that some of the women and their children are facing serious health challenges. They are currently receiving medical treatment and psychological support to address trauma suffered during their ordeal.
Dabiri-Erewa also expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for providing transportation and other logistical support for rescue missions, describing such assistance as critical to ensuring safe return and dignified reintegration of vulnerable citizens.
As part of standard reintegration procedures, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) conducted profiling and documentation of the victims, while NiDCOM coordinated arrangements for their onward movement to their respective states.
The repatriation exercise was led by the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Moses Adeoye, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and partner agencies working to dismantle the trafficking network.
Welcoming the victims home, Dabiri-Erewa cautioned young Nigerians against falling victim to fraudulent recruitment agents and unverified employment schemes abroad. She warned that irregular migration continues to expose citizens to exploitation, abuse and life-threatening conditions.
She reaffirmed NiDCOM’s resolve to deepen collaboration with diplomatic missions, security agencies and civil society organisations to combat human trafficking and ensure timely intervention for Nigerians in distress overseas.
