66 Nigerians rescued from trafficking in Ghana return home

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has successfully facilitated the return of 66 trafficked Nigerians from Ghana.

The group, consisting of 59 women, including children, and seven young men, arrived at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post on Saturday at around 4:00 p.m.

Comptroller Abdullahi Adamu, the Area Controller of the Seme command, explained that the rescue operation was a collaborative effort involving the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana.

“Our mission was supported by our attaché in Ghana and the High Commissioner, enabling us to apprehend these traffickers and bring the victims home,” Adamu said. The rescued individuals will be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to facilitate their reintegration.

Adamu emphasized the ongoing cooperation between the NIS and the Ghanaian government in combating human trafficking. He praised the commitment of the Comptroller-General of NIS, Kemi Nana, for her efforts in protecting vulnerable migrants and curbing human trafficking.

Detective Chief Inspector Kpeli Kofi from Ghana’s Interpol Unit noted that the rescue was made possible through joint efforts with Ghana’s anti-human trafficking unit. Inspector Mutilda Dellir of the Ghana Police highlighted that many of the victims were misled into believing they would find lucrative opportunities in Ghana.

Among the rescued individuals was Uche John from Port Harcourt, who shared her ordeal of being forced into prostitution after being promised a better life in Ghana. She expressed relief at being back in Nigeria, having learned valuable lessons from her experience.

This recent rescue is part of broader efforts by the NIS to combat human trafficking. Earlier this month, the Seme Area Command rescued five trafficking victims from Côte d’Ivoire. Additionally, the Federal Government announced the rescue of 58 Nigerian women and children trafficked to Ghana, bringing the total number of rescued individuals to 105 in recent months.