Skip to content
Lagos – Seventy-eight trafficked Nigerian girls have been returned to Nigeria from Côte d’Ivoire. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) coordinated their repatriation. The young women, some of whom are pregnant, arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos early yesterday.
Dr. Binta Bello, NAPTIP’s Director-General, called the operation a “powerful symbol of national responsibility” and a display of Nigeria’s “resilience in the face of transnational trafficking crimes.”
NAPTIP Vows to Continue Fight Against Traffickers
Dr. Bello stated NAPTIP’s commitment to eliminating human trafficking. “Today marks not only their safe return,” she said, “but also a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to ending the scourge of human trafficking.”
She confirmed that several individuals believed to be involved in the trafficking ring have been arrested and will face legal proceedings. Dr. Bello thanked the Nigerian federal government, civil society organizations, and international partners for their support in the girls’ return.
Collaborative Effort Leads to Freedom
The repatriation involved the Nigerian government, international allies, and private sector support. Air Peace, a Nigerian airline, provided free return flights for the victims.
Dr. Bello noted that hundreds of Nigerian women and girls are trafficked annually with false promises to West African nations, Europe, and the Middle East. She affirmed NAPTIP’s continued collaboration with international partners to dismantle trafficking networks and prevent further victimization.
By Kayode Ojo
