Ghana Trafficking: 17 Nigerian Girls Rescued

NiDCOM Foils Human Trafficking Ring in Ghana

“More than ever, traffickers must realize that Ghana is no longer a safe haven.”

17 Nigerian Girls Rescued from Human Traffickers in Ghana: NIDCOM & Ghanaian Authorities Collaborate to Combat Trafficking

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has successfully rescued 17 Nigerian girls trafficked to Ghana and arrested five traffickers. According to Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media and Public Relations at NIDCOM, the operation was carried out to safeguard the victims.

The rescued women, aged 18-29, hail from various Nigerian states, including Anambra, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Imo, Edo, and Ebonyi. They were deceived with promises of employment opportunities in Ghana but were instead forced into exploitative situations.

The victims were coerced into secrecy through oath-taking, further entraping them. NIDCOM's efforts have secured their safe return to Nigeria, providing relief to the survivors and their families.

Details of the rescue operation:

• 17 Nigerian girls rescued from Ghana
• 5 traffickers arrested
• Victims aged 18-29
• Originated from 7 Nigerian states
• Lured with false employment promises
• Forced into exploitative situations
• Sworn to secrecy

NIDCOM's prompt action demonstrates Nigeria's commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting its citizens.

“Seventeen young Nigerian girls trafficked to Ghana have been rescued and repatriated back to the country, while five traffickers were equally arrested,” Balogun stated.

“This latest rescue operation brought to 130 girls repatriated back to Nigeria from Ghana alone since July 2024.”

A recent rescue operation in Ghana has brought 17 Nigerian girls back home, thanks to a collaborative effort between the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Ghana, and the Nigerian High Commission in Accra. The girls, aged 18-29, were lured to Ghana with false promises of employment but ended up in exploitative situations and sworn to secrecy.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), praised Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her crucial support in facilitating the girls' safe return. This rescue operation is part of a larger effort that has brought 130 trafficked Nigerian girls back from Ghana since July 2024.

Key Rescue Operation Details:

• Collaborating Agencies: Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Ghana, and the Nigerian High Commission in Accra
• Number of Girls Rescued: 17
• Age Range: 18-29
• States of Origin: Anambra, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Imo, Edo, and Ebonyi
• Total Rescued Since July 2024: 130

The Director of Ghana's Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, Williams Ayaregah, commended NIDCOM's efforts, stating that traffickers must realize Ghana is no longer a safe haven. The rescued girls were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for rehabilitation and reintegration.

Dabiri-Erewa commended the efforts of Chief Callistus Elozieuwa, Chairman of NIDO Ghana's Board of Trustees, and Ghana's Anti-Human Trafficking Police Unit for securing justice for trafficking victims. Their collaborative efforts have been instrumental in combating human trafficking.

Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed NIDCOM's dedication to protecting Nigerians abroad, aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. This initiative prioritizes combating human trafficking and safeguarding citizens' rights both domestically and internationally.

Dabiri-Erewa expressed her resolve to rescue more trafficked Nigerians, acknowledging the ongoing need for assistance. She emphasized the importance of collective action among stakeholders to address this issue.

Organizations Combating Human Trafficking in Nigeria:

National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP): Leads the fight against human trafficking, with powers to investigate, arrest, and prosecute offenders.

Coalition Against Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of Children (CAHTSEC): Focuses on prevention, advocacy, and rehabilitation of victims.

Devatop Centre for Africa Development (DCAD): Combats human trafficking, gender-based violence, and irregular migration.

Edo State Task Force Against Human Trafficking (ETAHT): Addresses human trafficking and irregular migration in Edo State.

Pathfinders Justice Initiative (PJI): Prevents sex slavery, sexual violence, and human trafficking, providing counseling and vocational skills.

Ghana's Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, led by Director Williams Ayaregah, has made a significant breakthrough in combating human trafficking. Ayaregah praised the efforts of NIDCOM under Dabiri-Erewa's leadership, stating, “More than ever, traffickers must realize that Ghana is no longer a safe haven.” This statement comes after a successful operation in Kpone Katamanso, Tema, where five traffickers were apprehended, marking one of the largest single-operation arrests.

The operation not only led to the arrest of traffickers but also rescued several victims. Akinboye Akinsola, representing NIDCOM, escorted the rescued women back to Nigeria, where they were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for rehabilitation and reintegration. Additionally, two young men were repatriated, including one who had previously been detained in a Ghanaian prison.

This collaborative effort between Ghanaian authorities and NIDCOM demonstrates a strong commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable individuals. The success of this operation serves as a warning to traffickers that Ghana will no longer tolerate their illicit activities.