The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has successfully rescued 78 Nigerian victims of human trafficking from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The agency’s Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, pledged to deploy all available strategies to arrest and prosecute members of the organized human trafficking network responsible for the recruitment and exploitation of Nigerian girls across the globe.
The rescue operation followed concerns raised by popular social media influencer Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, during a recent visit to Côte d’Ivoire. Otse drew attention to the plight of Nigerian girls stranded in Abidjan who had fallen victim to trafficking syndicates. Acting swiftly, NAPTIP operatives arrested two high-profile individuals allegedly named by some of the victims as their traffickers.
A Momentous Occasion
The victims were flown back to Nigeria aboard an Air Peace aircraft, and upon arrival, Bello described the occasion as deeply significant. “This is a momentous occasion, a day that marks not only the safe return of our beloved daughters but also a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to the fight against human trafficking,” she said.
“To the young women and girls who have just returned, we say welcome home. You were taken far from the safety and dignity you deserve, but today, you are back on Nigerian soil, and you are not alone; this Country stands with you.” Bello continued, “And to those who have perpetuated this evil, let today be a reminder that Nigeria will never relent in pursuing justice. We have also apprehended some of those responsible for this heinous trade, and they will face the full force of the law.”
Support for the Victims
The Director General assured that NAPTIP would provide comprehensive support to the victims, including medical checks, counseling, and skill acquisition training. “We have just received them a while ago, our officers shall commence detailed profiling of each and every one of them in addition to a medical check to determine their health status,” she said.
“Thereafter, we shall counsel them and allow them to express themselves in the area of skill they want, and they will be adequately trained.” Bello added that the agency would also initiate a manhunt for the traffickers and ensure they are brought to justice.
Air Peace’s Humanitarian Gesture
The Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, evacuated the victims at no cost, citing a desire to stand in solidarity with them and support their recovery from the trauma they had endured. “This gesture was in addition to the medical assistance I had already provided for all the rescued individuals,” he said.
The Victims’ Ordeal
The 78 victims, including 75 female adults aged between 13 and 30 years, three babies, and two male adults, appeared malnourished, visibly battered, and disheveled. About four of the victims, mostly underage girls, were found to be pregnant. One of the victims, identified as Clara, shared her harrowing experience, saying, “I thank God that I am alive today. I saw hell in Abidjan, and I may not be able to forget the suffering and pain I passed through forever.”
Conclusion
NAPTIP’s successful rescue operation and commitment to prosecuting traffickers mark a significant step in the fight against human trafficking. The agency’s efforts to provide comprehensive support to the victims will help them recover from their ordeal and rebuild their lives. As Bello aptly put it, “This is our sole duty.”