17 young Nigerian women, aged between 18 and 29, have been rescued from exploitative conditions in Ghana and safely returned to Nigeria.

This operation was a collaborative effort involving the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police, the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Ghana, and the Nigerian High Commission in Accra.

The women, who hailed from various Nigerian states including Anambra, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Imo, Edo, and Ebonyi, were lured to Ghana under false promises of employment. Once there, they found themselves trapped in exploitative situations, forced into secrecy and unable to escape.

The operation not only freed these women but also resulted in the arrest of five traffickers, marking one of the largest single-operation arrests in the region.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), emphasized the importance of this rescue mission, stating, “More than ever, traffickers must realise that Ghana is no longer a safe haven.”

She credited Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her support in facilitating the safe return of the young women. Dabiri-Erewa also praised the efforts of Chief Callistus Elozieuwa, Board of Trustees Chairman of NIDO Ghana, and the Ghanaian police for their roles in ensuring justice for the victims.