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By: Manoah kikekon
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| Trafficked girls |
78 Nigerian victims of human trafficking, including 73 women and 3 babies, were repatriated from Côte d’Ivoire. NAPTIP pledges support and justice. Read their harrowing stories.
78 Nigerians including 73 women, 2 men, and 3 infants were safely repatriated from Côte d’Ivoire after being rescued from forced prostitution and exploitation.
The survivors arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, late Saturday night, where they were received by NAPTIP Director-General Fatima Bello.
Ms. Bello hailed the survivors’ return as a testament to Nigeria’s resolve to combat trafficking: “Today marks not just a homecoming but a warning to traffickers: Nigeria will hunt you down. To our survivors you are not alone. We will provide counseling, skills training, and justice.”
She confirmed that some traffickers had been arrested and thanked Air Peace Airlines for offering free flights and partners like AKH-TRACADA for their support.
A 24-year-old pregnant woman recounted being lured with promises of a N300,000/month supermarket job, only to be forced into prostitution and beaten to induce abortion.
A 17-year-old girl described being trapped in a forest brothel after a fake 1.5 million CFA/month restaurant offer. Some peers died or disappeared after forced abortions.
AKH-TRACADA, an anti-trafficking NGO, praised President Tinubu’s administration for its “bold, compassionate response” and urged: Stronger border controls, Rural awareness campaigns, Swift prosecution of traffickers.
This follows April’s repatriation of 200 Nigerians from Ghana after similar cybercrime trafficking cases.