Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has revealed that 200 victims of human trafficking have been rescued and brought back to Nigeria from Ghana in the last four months.
Dabiri-Erewa disclosed this on Thursday in Lagos while receiving three young girls who were recently trafficked to Ghana.
Two of the girls, cousins aged 17 and 19, are from Bayelsa State, while the third, aged 18, is from Akwa Ibom.
She said the rescue was made possible through collaboration with the Nigeria in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Ghana, NAPTIP, the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana, Ghana Police and the Office of Nigeria’s First Lady.
“That is what we’ve always said — parents must know who their children associate with,” she said.
“In trafficking chains, there’s always someone familiar who convinces the victim not to inform their family.”
Dabiri-Erewa stressed the importance of parental vigilance, noting that many traffickers are often family members or acquaintances who manipulate young girls into leaving home.
She confirmed that four traffickers involved in the most recent case had been arrested and would be prosecuted, while ten other survivors are still in Ghana and expected to return soon.
“Four traffickers are in custody. Ten more survivors remain in Ghana but will return soon,” she said.
The NIDCOM boss thanked Chief Calistus Elozieuwa, Chairman of NIDO Ghana, for his continued support and disclosed that the three girls would be profiled by NAPTIP and returned to their families for rehabilitation.
“Right now, ten survivors are with Chief Calistus in Ghana. NIDCOM supports agencies in this joint government effort,” she said. “We help provide logistical aid. These girls will return to their states and rebuild their lives.”
She added: “NAPTIP will profile them, trace the traffickers, and ensure they’re brought to justice. Our role is to support these innocent children and help them pursue their dreams after such trauma.”
