Accra, Ghana – July 20, 2024 – In a significant development, 58 Nigerian women and children have been rescued from human traffickers in Ghana. This operation marks a critical step in combating human trafficking and brings the total number of Nigerians rescued in Accra over the past three months to 105.
The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Board of Trustees in Ghana, Callistus Elozieuwa, shared this news with Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), during her visit to the rescued victims at their temporary location in Accra. The visit underscored the ongoing commitment of NIDO and NIDCOM to protect and assist trafficked Nigerians.
A detailed statement from NIDCOM’s Head of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, released on Saturday, provided further insights into the demographics of the rescued individuals. Among the 58 victims, 47 are from Kano, 5 from Katsina, 2 from Jigawa, and 4 from Kaduna. These individuals were saved from dire circumstances, having been subjected to various forms of exploitation and abuse by traffickers.
In addition to the recent rescues, the statement highlighted that 11 more girls had been previously rescued and are currently under the care of NIDO. This ongoing effort reflects the sustained commitment to combating human trafficking and providing support to its victims.
The rescue operation was a coordinated effort involving various stakeholders. Several suspected traffickers were apprehended during the operation and have been handed over to the appropriate authorities, including the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), for necessary profiling and prosecution. This legal action is crucial in ensuring that those responsible for these heinous crimes are brought to justice and that such activities are curtailed in the future.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa commended NIDO Ghana, the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, and the Ghanaian law enforcement agencies for their effective collaboration and support in the rescue operations. “The cooperation and swift action of all parties involved were instrumental in the successful rescue of these victims. It is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together to protect our citizens,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.
Human trafficking remains a significant challenge in many parts of the world, including West Africa. Victims, often lured by false promises of better opportunities, find themselves trapped in cycles of exploitation. The recent rescues highlight the critical need for ongoing vigilance and cooperation between nations to address this issue comprehensively.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, under the leadership of Dabiri-Erewa, continues to play a pivotal role in supporting Nigerians abroad, particularly those in distress. The Commission has been actively involved in various rescue missions and provides necessary assistance, including shelter, medical care, and repatriation services.
This latest rescue operation in Ghana serves as a reminder of the persistent dangers of human trafficking and the importance of continued international collaboration to combat this crime. The efforts of NIDO, NIDCOM, and the Ghanaian authorities provide a beacon of hope for victims and underscore the global commitment to ending human trafficking.
As the rescued individuals begin their journey to recovery and reintegration, the support from both governmental and non-governmental organizations will be crucial in helping them rebuild their lives. The international community must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the root causes of human trafficking, ensuring that vulnerable populations are protected and that perpetrators are held accountable.
