By Gbenga Nicholas, Abuja
Three young Nigerian girls, trafficked to Ghana under the false promise of job opportunities, have been rescued and repatriated, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) announced on Friday.
The victims, identified as Divine, Favour, and Bright, aged between 17 and 19, were received on Thursday at NiDCOM’s Lagos office after being freed from their captors.
According to a statement by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols at NiDCOM, the girls—originally from Bayelsa and Ebonyi states—were lured into sex trafficking by their “aunties,” who deceived them with offers of employment in Ghana.
Upon their return, the girls were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for profiling and reintegration. The move is part of ongoing collaboration between NiDCOM and NAPTIP to combat human trafficking and support survivors.
NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to fighting human trafficking and urged the public to expose perpetrators fueling the illegal trade.
“Human trafficking will persist if traffickers and their agents are not exposed and shamed,” Dabiri-Erewa said. “It’s a global issue, and until we stop covering up for those responsible, it won’t end.”
She commended Chief Callistus Elozieuwa, Chairman of the NIDO Ghana Board of Trustees, for his relentless efforts in facilitating the rescue. She also acknowledged the Nigerian Embassy in Ghana and expressed gratitude to First Lady Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu for assisting with transportation logistics.
This incident adds to a growing number of trafficking cases involving Nigerians in Ghana. Over 169 Nigerians have been repatriated from Ghana in recent months due to similar exploitation schemes.
