…DG NAPTIP Vows Justice, Air Peace Facilitates Free Evacuation
No fewer than 78 Nigerian victims of human trafficking, including underage girls and babies, have been rescued from Côte d’Ivoire and safely returned to Nigeria in a coordinated operation led by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, with support from development partners and Air Peace Airline.
The victims, comprising 75 females between the ages of 13 and 30, two adult males, and three babies, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 10:45 p.m. on Saturday. They were received by NAPTIP’s Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, OON, and the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema.
Addressing journalists at the airport, Bello described the return of the victims as a “momentous occasion” and reiterated NAPTIP’s determination to dismantle trafficking networks.
“This is not just the return of our daughters, it is a strong message that Nigeria will never relent in pursuing justice against human traffickers,” Bello stated. “We have already apprehended some of the suspects named by the victims, and we are intensifying our manhunt to arrest others still at large. There is no hiding place for them anywhere.”
The DG also noted that each of the victims would undergo thorough medical checks and psychosocial evaluation, including counseling and skills training to support their reintegration into society.
According to NAPTIP, the operation was triggered after popular social media influencer Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, raised concerns during a visit to Côte d’Ivoire about the plight of Nigerian girls stranded in Abidjan.
“His public call stirred immediate action. Our operatives moved swiftly and were able to arrest two high-profile traffickers at their mansion in Lugbe, Abuja,” Bello disclosed.
The victims’ return followed a collaborative process involving profiling and coordination with partners in Abidjan.
Speaking at the airport, Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema said he facilitated the rescue flight and medical support at no cost as part of his commitment to national service and the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians.
“Seeing the condition of these girls—battered, traumatized, some pregnant—is heartbreaking. As Nigerians, we must all rise to support them,” Onyema said. “I couldn’t turn my back.”
One of the rescued victims, Clara (not her real name), recounted her harrowing experience in Abidjan. Holding back tears, she said: “I thank God I’m alive. I saw hell. Human life means nothing to those madams. But when the DG of NAPTIP spoke to us inside the plane, I felt hope again. I’m deeply grateful to her and the man from Air Peace.”
According to NAPTIP, the rescued victims are now in a safe facility where officials will begin rehabilitation processes, including trauma care and vocational training.
The agency emphasized that it will continue to collaborate with both local and international partners to rescue more victims and prosecute all traffickers involved in the transnational crime.
