In a major breakthrough against human trafficking, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued and repatriated 78 Nigerian victims trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire for exploitation.
The victims, comprising 75 female adults, three babies, and two male adults, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 10:45 p.m. on Saturday aboard an Air Peace flight. Many of the victims appeared physically and emotionally traumatized, with at least four underaged girls found to be pregnant.
The Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, was on ground to receive the returnees, alongside the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema, who sponsored their evacuation and medical care.
“This is a momentous occasion that not only marks the safe return of our daughters and sons but reaffirms our unshakable commitment to fighting human trafficking,” Bello stated. “To the perpetrators of this heinous crime, let this serve as a warning—NAPTIP will find you, and justice will be served.”
Bello confirmed that two high-profile individuals suspected to be part of the trafficking syndicate were recently arrested in Abuja, following intelligence provided by some of the rescued victims.
The rescue operation was initiated after popular social media influencer, Vincent Otse (aka VeryDarkMan), raised the alarm about the condition of stranded Nigerian girls in Abidjan. NAPTIP immediately responded by working with partners in Côte d’Ivoire to identify, profile, and evacuate the victims.
“We have commenced a full-scale manhunt for all members of the trafficking network. There is no hiding place for them,” Bello added.
She assured the public that all returnees would undergo medical screening, psychological support, and vocational training as part of their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Air Peace CEO, Allen Onyema, emphasized the need for collective action: “These young Nigerians were victims of circumstances beyond their control. We must do everything possible to give them a fresh start. This is our duty as a nation.”
One of the victims, Clara (not real name), shared her harrowing experience: “I thank God I’m alive. I saw hell in Abidjan. But when the NAPTIP DG spoke to us in the aircraft, I felt hope again. I’m grateful to her and to Mr. Onyema.”
NAPTIP reiterated its commitment to eradicating human trafficking and bringing all perpetrators to justice.
