In a bold and coordinated rescue operation, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has successfully evacuated 78 Nigerian victims of human trafficking from Côte d’Ivoire. The victims, predominantly young women and girls, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, late Saturday, May 10, 2025, aboard an Air Peace flight arranged and sponsored free of charge by the airline.
The evacuees, who were subjected to various forms of exploitation in Abidjan, were received at the airport by the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, OON, alongside the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema.
The group comprised 75 female adults, three babies, and two male adults, most of whom appeared physically battered and emotionally distressed, bearing clear signs of severe abuse. Among them were four pregnant underage girls, further highlighting the gravity of their ordeal.
Addressing journalists at the airport, DG Bello expressed deep concern over the rising incidents of human trafficking and reaffirmed NAPTIP’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice. “We have also apprehended some of those responsible for this heinous trade, and they will face the full force of the law,” she declared. “There is no hidden place for them anywhere.”
Bello revealed that the victims were rescued following weeks of intelligence gathering, international collaboration, and the arrest of two high-profile traffickers in Abuja, who were implicated during victim interviews. These arrests took place at a luxurious residence in Lugbe, Abuja.
“This is a momentous occasion—a day that marks not only the safe return of our beloved daughters but also a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to the fight against human trafficking,” the NAPTIP boss said. She promised that every rescued victim would undergo proper medical checks, psychological counseling, and skill acquisition training to aid their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
She also praised Air Peace and its CEO, Allen Onyema, for their swift and generous support. Onyema, in his remarks, said the decision to airlift the victims at no cost was a humanitarian gesture meant to support their healing journey. “This is our small way of giving back and identifying with their pain,” he said. He also provided medical assistance to the victims as part of the airline’s intervention.
The rescue operation followed increased public awareness and advocacy, particularly after popular social media influencer Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, highlighted the plight of trafficked Nigerian girls stranded in Abidjan.
One of the rescued victims, identified as Clara (not her real name), recounted her traumatic experience. “I saw hell in Abidjan and may never recover from the pain. Human life meant nothing to those madams. But today, I’m thankful to be alive and back home. The DG of NAPTIP encouraged us, and that gave me hope again.”
As NAPTIP intensifies its manhunt for other members of the trafficking syndicate, the agency has vowed to continue working with domestic and international partners to dismantle trafficking networks and provide sustainable support to victims.
The development marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s anti-human trafficking efforts and serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance, partnership, and proactive enforcement in the fight against human exploitation.