NiDCOM rescues 17 trafficked Nigerian women in Ghana

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) says 17 Nigerian women trafficked to Ghana have been rescued and repatriated, while five suspected traffickers were arrested.

In a statement on Sunday, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM spokesperson, said the operation brings the total number of Nigerian girls repatriated from Ghana since July 2024 to 130.

Balogun added that the operation, which took place in Kpone Katamanso, Tema, succeeded due to coordinated efforts by the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Ghana, and the Nigerian High Commission in Accra.

He noted that Akinboye Akinsola, a NiDCOM representative, escorted the rescued women back to Nigeria, where they were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for rehabilitation.

The rescued women, aged 18 to 29, are from Anambra, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Imo, Edo, and Ebonyi states.

They were reportedly lured to Ghana with false promises of employment, but instead faced exploitation and were bound by oaths of secrecy.

Balogun quoted Williams Ayaregah, director of the Ghana Police Service’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, as saying, “More than ever, traffickers must realise that Ghana is no longer a safe haven.”

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NiDCOM chairman, expressed gratitude to Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady, for her support in facilitating the safe return of the women.

Dabiri-Erewa also commended Callistus Elozieuwa, BoT chairman of NIDO-Ghana, and the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police Unit for their roles in the operation.

Dabiri-Erewa emphasised NiDCOM’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Balogun further said two young men were also repatriated, including one who had been detained in a Ghanaian prison.

“With NIDO Ghana’s support, the young man underwent rehabilitation and has now been reintegrated with his family in Anambra,” he said.