The Federal Government has repatriated 13 Nigerians rescued from a human trafficking syndicate in Ghana, as authorities intensify efforts to curb irregular migration and transnational exploitation.
The returnees were received in Lagos on Sunday following coordinated intervention by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and the Nigerian High Commission in Accra.
In a statement issued by the Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the commission disclosed that the victims were facilitated back to Nigeria after being rescued from traffickers in Ghana.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the Nigerian High Commission for ensuring the safe return of the victims.
She also appreciated Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for providing transportation and other critical logistics support during rescue operations.
According to the statement, the group comprised 11 adults and two infants aged four weeks and 16 months.
Balogun said the returnees were received on behalf of the NiDCOM Chairman by the Commission’s Head of Operations in Lagos, Mr Dele Ogunkanbi.
He added that the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons had commenced profiling of the victims as part of standard reintegration procedures.
The agency also provided logistical assistance to convey the returnees to their respective states.
Preliminary reports indicated that some of the rescued women and their children were receiving medical treatment and psychological support after being diagnosed with serious health conditions.
The repatriation exercise was led by Ambassador Adeoye, Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and partner agencies.
Dabiri-Erewa reiterated concerns over the rising cases of irregular migration, warning young Nigerians against falling prey to dubious job offers and unsafe travel arrangements abroad.
She urged prospective migrants to verify opportunities and seek proper guidance from relevant government agencies before embarking on foreign trips.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians in the diaspora and pledged continued collaboration with domestic and international partners to combat human trafficking and related crimes.
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