By Admin
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the successful repatriation of 78 Nigerian nationals who were victims of human trafficking from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
In a statement by the Spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa the operation was facilitated by the Embassy of Nigeria in Abidjan, NAPTIP, Nigerian Community in Abidjan and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with Air Peace Airlines, at no cost to the Federal Government.
The statement explained that the special flight arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja Lagos around 11pm on Saturday.
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 Ministry, therefore, wishes to commend Dr. Allen Onyema, the Chairman of Air Peace Airlines, for his patriotism and kind hearted intervention, and urged all stakeholders—including civil society, international partners, and the public—to join efforts in eradicating this menace .
The returnees were expected to undergo debriefing and profiling by NAPTIP and other relevant agencies on arrival.
Mr. Kimiebi stated that the Ministry would continue to work with regional partners to dismantle trafficking networks and prosecute perpetrators.
He said that the Nigerian government remained resolute in its duty to safeguard the dignity and rights of its citizens, both at home and abroad.
The Ministry, therefore, expressed its gratitude to the Ivorian authorities and all Nigerian Agencies involved in this humanitarian mission.
