NiDCOM Rescues and Repatriates Three Nigerian Teenagers Trafficked to Ghana

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has successfully facilitated the repatriation of three Nigerian teenagers—Divine, Favour, and Bright—who were victims of a sex trafficking ring in Ghana.

The three adolescents, aged between 17 and 19, are originally from Bayelsa and Ebonyi States. According to NiDCOM, they were deceived by women they referred to as “aunties” who promised them lucrative job opportunities in Ghana. Upon arrival, however, they were coerced into forced sex work.

This was disclosed in a statement on Friday by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols at NiDCOM.

The rescued teenagers were officially received on Thursday at NiDCOM’s Lagos headquarters and handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further care, including rehabilitation, counseling, and reintegration.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and CEO of NiDCOM, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ending human trafficking. She stressed the need for communities to hold traffickers and their collaborators accountable.

“Human trafficking will continue if we keep shielding those responsible,” she said. “This is a global crisis, and the solution begins with exposure and justice.”

She commended Chief Callistus Elozieuwa, Chairman of the NIDO Ghana Board of Trustees, for his unwavering efforts in rescuing trafficked Nigerians. The Nigerian Embassy in Ghana was also acknowledged for its instrumental role in the operation.

Additionally, Dabiri-Erewa extended appreciation to Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, for her support in facilitating the return of the rescued teenagers.

NiDCOM noted that more than 169 Nigerians have been rescued and returned from Ghana in recent months after falling victim to similar trafficking networks.