- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has received 13 rescued victims of a trafficking network repatriated from Ghana.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by NiDCOM’s Abdur-Rahman Balogun.
According to the statement, the rescued group includes 11 adults and two babies aged four weeks and 16 months, respectively.
Their repatriation exercise was led by Amb. Adeoye, the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, alongside relevant stakeholders and partner agencies.
The returnees were received on behalf of the NIDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, by the commission’s Head of Operations in Lagos, Mr Dele Ogunkanbi.
They were however profiled by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) as part of the standard reintegration process, before NiDCOM provided logistical assistance to ensure their safe return to their respective states.
While commending the Nigeran High Commission in Ghana for facilitating the rescue of the victims, Dabiri-Erewa, also appreciated the kind gesture of the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for consistently providing transportation and other forms of support during rescue operations.
The NiDCOM boss, according to Abdur-Rahman, reiterated concerns over the growing risks associated with irregular migration, warning young Nigerians against unverified job offers and travel arrangements abroad.
Meanwhile, an initial report indicated that some of the rescued women and their children are receiving medical care and mental health support, having been diagnosed with serious health conditions.