National
78 Trafficked Nigerian Girls Return Home From Côte d’Ivoire
By Benjamin Abioye
A total of 78 Nigerian girls, some pregnant, who were trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire, have been safely returned home after a successful rescue operation by the Nigerian government and NAPTIP.
Seventy-eight Nigerian girls who were victims of human trafficking in Côte d’Ivoire have been brought back to Nigeria. They arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 11, 2025. Some of the girls are pregnant. They were received by officials from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
While speaking at the airport, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Dr. Binta Bello, described the rescue as an important step in the country’s fight against human trafficking. She called the girls “rescued daughters of the nation,” adding, “Today marks not only their safe return but also a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to ending the scourge of human trafficking.”
Dr. Bello confirmed that some people involved in trafficking the girls have already been arrested and will face justice. Although she didn’t share full details for safety reasons, she said the agency was working closely with international partners to track down the traffickers and break their networks.
She explained that the return of the girls was made possible through the combined efforts of the Nigerian government, international supporters, and private help, especially from Air Peace, which flew them back at no cost. She said to the girls, “Your courage and survival symbolise hope for thousands still trapped in the shadows. You are home. And this country stands with you.”
Dr. Bello also thanked the federal government, civil society groups, and international partners for their support. “The collaboration continues to empower us,” she said. She emphasized that the rescue is part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to tackle the ongoing problem of trafficking, adding that hundreds of Nigerian women and girls are trafficked every year to places like West Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, often under false job promises.
Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us
And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG
