78 trafficked Nigerians repatriated from Côte d’Ivoire

The federal government on Saturday night repatriated 78 Nigerian nationals who were victims of human trafficking from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday morning. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to announce the successful repatriation of 78 Nigerian nationals […]

The federal government on Saturday night repatriated 78 Nigerian nationals who were victims of human trafficking from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday morning.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to announce the successful repatriation of 78 Nigerian nationals who were victims of human trafficking from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

“The operation is facilitated by the Embassy of Nigeria in Abidjan, NAPTIP, Nigerian Community in Abidjan and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with Air Peace Airlines, at no cost to the Federal Government.

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“The special flight arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, around 11pm on Saturday,” the statement disclosed.

The returnees are expected to undergo debriefing and profiling by NAPTIP and other relevant agencies on arrival.

The federal government vowed to continue to work with regional partners to dismantle trafficking networks and prosecute perpetrators.

It assured Nigerians of its determination to remain resolute in its duty to safeguard the dignity and rights of its citizens, both at home and abroad.

It also reiterated its unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking, while condemning in the strongest terms the inhumane and criminal act of human trafficking, which especially targets underaged girls.