Esther Salifu
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the successful repatriation of 78 Nigerian nationals who were victims of human trafficking in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The operation was facilitated by the Nigerian Embassy in Abidjan, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigerian community in Abidjan, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with Air Peace Airlines, at no cost to the Federal Government.
The special flight carrying the victims arrived at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, around 11 p.m. on Saturday.
In a statement released over the weekend, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens and combating human trafficking. “The Ministry wishes to underscore the Nigerian government’s unwavering commitment to protecting its citizens and combating human trafficking, and condemns in the strongest terms the inhumane and criminal act of human trafficking which exploits vulnerable individuals, especially underage girls,” Ebienfa said.
The Ministry also commended Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace Airlines, for his patriotic and kind-hearted intervention. It urged all stakeholders including civil society, international partners, and the public to join efforts in eradicating the menace.
Upon arrival, the returnees are expected to undergo debriefing and profiling by NAPTIP and other relevant agencies. The Ministry affirmed its continued collaboration with regional partners to dismantle trafficking networks and prosecute perpetrators.
Ebienfa concluded by assuring the public of the Nigerian government’s resolve to safeguard the dignity and rights of its citizens, both at home and abroad. “The Ministry, therefore, expresses its gratitude to the Ivorian authorities and all Nigerian agencies involved in this humanitarian mission,” he added .
