78 Trafficked Nigerians Return Home from Abidjan with Support from Air Peace.

By Caroline Ameh

A total of 78 Nigerian victims of human trafficking stranded in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, have been successfully repatriated with the support of Air Peace Airline, which provided a special flight at no cost to the Federal Government.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and made available to Channel Network Afrique (CNA).

The humanitarian operation was facilitated through the collaborative efforts of the Nigerian Embassy in Abidjan, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigerian Community in Abidjan, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with Air Peace.

The Ministry commended the patriotic intervention of Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace Airlines, describing it as an act of compassion and national service.

“The Ministry wishes to underscore the Nigerian government’s unwavering commitment to protecting its citizens and combating human trafficking, and condemns in the strongest terms the inhumane and criminal act of human trafficking which exploits vulnerable individuals, especially underage girls,” the statement read.

It further revealed that the returnees will undergo debriefing and profiling by NAPTIP and other relevant agencies upon arrival in Nigeria.

Reiterating its commitment to the fight against trafficking, the Ministry stated, “The Ministry will continue to work with regional partners to dismantle trafficking networks and prosecute perpetrators. The Nigerian government remains resolute in its duty to safeguard the dignity and rights of its citizens, both at home and abroad.”

The Ministry also extended appreciation to the Ivorian authorities and all Nigerian agencies that played a role in the successful repatriation of the trafficked nationals.