No fewer than 78 Nigerian girls who were trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire have been safely brought back to the country. The girls, some of whom are pregnant, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos around 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday.
They were received by officials of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). Speaking at the airport, NAPTIP Director-General, Dr. Binta Bello, described the return as a major step in Nigeria’s fight against human trafficking.
Dr. Bello praised the victims’ courage and called them “daughters of the nation.” She said their rescue reflects the government’s strong commitment to ending trafficking. According to her, some traffickers behind the operation have already been arrested and will face prosecution.
The rescue was made possible through a joint effort involving the Nigerian government, international partners and private sector support. Air Peace Airlines flew the girls back at no cost.
Dr. Bello also noted that hundreds of Nigerian girls are trafficked each year, often lured with fake job offers or promises of a better life. She emphasized that NAPTIP is working closely with local and international bodies to dismantle trafficking networks and protect more victims.
She thanked the federal government, civil society groups and global partners for their continued support in combating human trafficking.