Out of 115 victims of human trafficking registered for airlifting, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, yesterday announced the successful repatriation of 78 Nigerians into the country.
The nationals arrived in Lagos State Saturday night from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The statement, signed by the Ministry’s Spokesman, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, indicated that the operation was facilitated by the Embassy of Nigeria in Abidjan, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigerian Community in Abidjan, as well as the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
According to the FG, the exercise, which was in collaboration with Air Peace Airlines, was at no cost to the Federal Government.
“The special flight arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, at about 11 p.m. on Saturday,” the statement read in part.
While condemning in the strongest terms the inhumane and criminal act of human trafficking, which exploits vulnerable individuals, especially underage girls, the government pledged commitment to protecting its citizens and combating human trafficking.
It added, “The Ministry, therefore, wishes to commend the Chairman of Air Peace Airlines, Dr. Allen Onyema, for his patriotism and kind-hearted intervention, and urge all stakeholders, including civil society, international partners, and the general 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.
“The Ministry will continue to work with regional partners to dismantle trafficking networks and prosecute perpetrators, as the government remains resolute in its duty to safeguard the dignity and rights of its citizens, both at home and abroad. It also expresses its gratitude to the Ivorian authorities and all Nigerian agencies involved in this humanitarian mission,” the statement read.
The Guardian
