NIDCOM Rescues 200 Trafficking Survivors In Four Months, Reunites Girls With Families.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), in collaboration with the Nigeria in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), has successfully rescued 200 victims of human trafficking over the past four months.
This milestone was revealed by the Chairman and CEO of NIDCOM, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, during the reception of three Nigerian girls trafficked to Ghana, who were safely returned to Lagos.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, two of the girls, cousins aged 17 and 19, hail from Bayelsa State, while the third, aged 18, is from Akwa Ibom State. Their rescue was made possible through joint efforts involving NIDO Ghana, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana, Ghana Police, and the Office of the First Lady of Nigeria.
She noted with concern that despite widespread sensitisation campaigns, many young Nigerians continue to fall prey to human traffickers — often individuals known to them or their families.
“In trafficking chains, there’s always someone familiar who convinces the victim not to inform their family,” she said, urging parents to pay closer attention to who their children associate with.
Dabiri-Erewa disclosed that since January, NIDCOM and its partners have repatriated approximately 200 survivors from Ghana alone, with significant support from Chief Calistus Elozieuwa, Chairman of NIDO Ghana.
She also confirmed that four suspects linked to the trafficking of the three girls are currently in custody and will be prosecuted, while ten more survivors remain in Ghana and are expected to return soon.
The rescued girls will be profiled by NAPTIP before being reunited with their families and supported through rehabilitation processes.
“We help provide logistical aid. These girls will return to their states and rebuild their lives,” she stated, adding that NIDCOM will continue to support government agencies in protecting vulnerable Nigerians abroad.
Reiterating the Commission’s commitment to fighting trafficking, Dabiri-Erewa called for ongoing public education to tackle the menace.
“Our role is to support these innocent children and help them pursue their dreams after such trauma,” she said.
