The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), in partnership with the Nigeria in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), has rescued 200 trafficking survivors in just four months.

Chairman and CEO of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, revealed this on Thursday while receiving three trafficked girls from Ghana, in Lagos.

Two girls, cousins aged 19 and 17, are from Bayelsa. The third girl, aged 18, is from Akwa Ibom.

Mrs Dabiri-Erewa said the rescue was possible through collaboration with NIDO Ghana, NAPTIP, the Nigerian High Commission, Ghana Police and Nigeria’s First Lady’s Office.

She expressed concern that in spite of awareness efforts, many still fall victim to traffickers.

According to her, parents must monitor their children closely, as traffickers are often known family members.

“That is what we’ve always said — parents must know who their children associate with.

“In trafficking chains, there’s always someone familiar who convinces the victim not to inform their family,” Mrs Dabiri-Erewa said.

She said about 200 survivors have been rescued from Ghana to Nigeria since January, with support from Calistus Elozieuwa, NIDO Ghana chairman.

Mrs Dabiri-Erewa confirmed that four traffickers behind the recent case had been arrested and would face prosecution.

 The three rescued girls will be profiled by NAPTIP and returned to their families for rehabilitation.

“Four traffickers are in custody. Ten more survivors remain in Ghana but will return soon,” she said.

She emphasised the need for continued awareness and public education to curb human trafficking in Nigeria.

“Right now, ten survivors are with Chief Calistus in Ghana. NIDCOM supports agencies in this joint government effort. 

“We help provide logistical aid. These girls will return to their states and rebuild their lives.

“NAPTIP will profile them, trace the traffickers, and ensure they’re brought to justice.

“Our role is to support these innocent children and help them pursue their dreams after such trauma,” Mrs Dabiri-Erewa said.

Mrs Dabiri-Erewa explained that one survivor said her aunty lured her and her cousin to Ghana, promising jobs in a boutique and bar.

After one day of rest, they were ordered to stand on the street for prostitution, which they refused.

“We had to escape. While walking, a man found us and took us to the police station,” the victim narrated.

They were then transferred to Mr Elozieuwa, who helped them reach the Nigerian High Commission and later, NIDCOM. 

“Our host mistreated us after we refused prostitution. We escaped for our safety,” the Bayelsa-born girl added.

Another survivor from Akwa Ibom said her aunty promised her a supermarket job but forced her into prostitution.

She said she was beaten daily for refusing, and eventually had no choice but to comply.

She explained that one trafficked girl later escaped, returned with the police, and helped rescue the rest. 

(NAN)