NIDCOM, Ghana police bust human trafficking ring, rescue 17 victims

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has said that it aided in the rescue on October 27, 2024, of the seventeen Nigerian girls who were trafficked to Ghana by their traffickers, with five of the traffickers arrested.

NIDCOM Head of Media and Public Relations, Mr. Abdur-Rahman Balogun, stated in a statement on Sunday that the rescued women were aged between 18 and 29.

According to Abdur-Rahman, the victims hailed from various Nigerian states, including Anambra, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Imo, Edo, and Ebonyi.

He said that the seventeen girls, who were trafficked to Ghana, have been rescued and returned to Nigeria.

He disclosed that the girls were lured with fake job promises and afterwards forced into exploitative situations upon arrival in Ghana.

NIDCOM noted that it contributed immensely to ensure the rescue of these women, as well as other circumstances.

About NIDCOM

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) was established to promote the welfare and interests of Nigerians living abroad

They facilitate their contributions to the national development of the country in general.

The commission aims to protect the rights of Nigerians in the diaspora, combating issues such as human trafficking.

Under the leadership of its Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NIDCOM has been actively involved in various initiatives to assist trafficked Nigerians.

Since July 2024, NIDCOM has facilitated the return of 130 trafficked girls from Ghana alone.

Those women were lured with false promises of employment but subsequently forced into exploitative situations.

NIDCOM remarked that one Akinboye Akinsola, on its behalf, assisted in bringing the rescued women back home.

The women were subsequently transferred to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for rehabilitation and support.

“This operation was conducted with the joint effort of the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police, the Nigerian High Commission in Accra, and the NIDCOM”, Mr. Balogun pointed out.

The commission emphasized that it is committed to combating human trafficking and ensuring the safety of Nigerians abroad.

NIDCOM continues to work with various stakeholders to rescue trafficked individuals and provide them with rehabilitation and recovery support.

NIDCOM Chairperson, Mrs Dabiri-Erewa, praised the contributions of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NIDO Ghana.

She also commended the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police Unit for their role in securing justice for the victims.

The NIDCOM chairman emphasized her commitment to rescuing more Nigerians who have been trafficked, with support from various stakeholders.

She mentioned that many individuals are still in need of assistance, reaffirming NIDCOM’s dedication to safeguarding Nigerians abroad.

Combating human trafficking

The initiative prioritizes combating human trafficking and protecting the rights of Nigerian citizens both domestically and internationally.

Dabiri-Erewa also commended the vital role played by the BOT Chairman of NIDO Ghana, Mr. Callistus Elozieuwa.

She further hailed the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police Unit for bringing the traffickers to justice.

She acknowledgment of her support highlights the collaborative efforts between NIDCOM and the Office of the First Lady as she takes to heart the interests of Nigerians.

According to her, Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has worked very hard to see that these goals are successful.

The NIDCOM chairman described her as a seasoned politician and advocate for women’s rights

She recalled how, as the First Lady, she has pledged her commitment to ending female genital mutilation (FGM).

Tinubu has also worked tirelessly to promote girls and women’s empowerment.

She laid emphasis on promoting the welfare and empowerment of Nigerians, both at home and abroad.

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