In a significant victory against human trafficking, seventy-eight Nigerian girls and young women trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire have been rescued and returned to the country in a joint effort involving the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigerian community in Côte d’Ivoire, and other partners.
The survivors arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, late Saturday night aboard a flight operated free of charge by a Nigerian airliner, in an evacuation mission spearheaded by its Chairman and CEO, Mr. Allen Onyema. They were received by the Director-General of NAPTIP, Dr. Binta Adamu Bello, and other officials.
Among the 78 returnees were 75 young women, three babies, and two men. Several of the women were pregnant, including minors, with one already nursing a baby boy. The group appeared visibly distressed, bearing signs of trauma and physical exhaustion.
NAPTIP Launches Manhunt for Traffickers
Addressing the press, Dr. Bello described the rescue as a powerful demonstration of national responsibility and a renewed commitment to combating human trafficking. She confirmed that NAPTIP had already apprehended some suspects involved in the trafficking network and assured the public that more arrests would follow.
> “This is a momentous occasion,” Dr. Bello stated. “To those who perpetuate this evil, let today be a reminder that Nigeria will never relent in pursuing justice. NAPTIP is committed to ending this heinous trade, prosecuting traffickers, and rehabilitating victims.”
The DG further noted that detailed profiling and medical assessments of the returnees had commenced. Each survivor would be offered psychosocial support, vocational training, and assistance toward full reintegration.
Airline Evacuation a “Moral Obligation” – Onyema
Speaking at the reception, Mr. Allen Onyema, who facilitated the airlift, said the decision to evacuate the victims at no cost was based on moral responsibility.
> “No amount of money compares to the value of a single human life,” Onyema said. “This mission was not about profit, but about restoring dignity.”
He also disclosed that he had sponsored medical intervention for all the victims to support their recovery journey.
Public Awareness and International Collaboration
The return operation gained momentum after Nigerian social media influencer Vincent Otse, popularly known as The Very Dark Man, raised an alarm about the plight of Nigerian girls trapped in Côte d’Ivoire during a recent visit to the country. His advocacy helped attract the attention of authorities and the public, prompting swift action from NAPTIP.
> “We need tighter security across our borders to prevent more innocent girls from being trafficked,” Otse emphasized.
The President of the Nigerian community in Côte d’Ivoire, Mr. Michael Onwunjalo, also played a pivotal role in the rescue. He revealed that traffickers had recaptured some victims ahead of the evacuation, which led to the lower number of returnees in this first phase. Originally, 150 victims were scheduled for evacuation.
Survivors Share Harrowing Experiences
Clara one of the victims, spoke with journalists at the airport and recounted the horrific conditions she endured.
“I saw hell in Abidjan,” she said. “I thank God I’m alive today. I may never forget the suffering. But hearing the DG of NAPTIP speak to us gave me hope again.”
Background: Coordinated Action Leads to Rescue
Following intelligence received from victims and investigations in Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, NAPTIP operatives arrested two key suspects linked to the trafficking syndicate. The arrests took place at a luxury estate in the Lugbe area of Abuja. These arrests and the collaboration with partners in Abidjan led to the identification, profiling, and rescue of the 78 victims.
Authorities confirm this is only the first phase of a broader operation to rescue all 150 known victims. Further evacuations and legal actions are expected in the coming weeks.