The victims arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, around 1:00 a.m., where they were received by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). Some of them were reportedly pregnant.
In a major stride against human trafficking, 78 Nigerian girls and young women who were trafficked to Côte d'Ivoire were successfully rescued and brought back home early Sunday morning.
The victims arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, around 1:00 a.m., where they were received by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). Some of them were reportedly pregnant.
Speaking at the airport's arrival wing, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Dr. Binta Bello, described the rescue as a powerful symbol of national responsibility and resilience in the face of transnational trafficking crimes.
"Today marks not only their safe return but a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to ending the scourge of human trafficking," Bello said, referring to the girls as "rescued daughters of the nation."
Bello confirmed that some of the perpetrators behind the trafficking ring have been apprehended and would face prosecution. While she did not provide specific details for operational security, she assured Nigerians that NAPTIP is working closely with international partners to dismantle the networks responsible.
She further explained that the return of the young women was made possible through a coordinated effort involving the Nigerian government, international partners, and private sector support, notably from Air Peace Airlines, which facilitated their return at no cost.
"Your courage and survival symbolize hope for thousands still trapped in the shadows. You are home, and this country stands with you," Bello told the returnees.
Expressing gratitude to the Federal Government for its consistent support for NAPTIP's mission, as well as to civil society organizations and global partners, Bello added that the collaboration continues to empower the agency.
This latest rescue underscores Nigeria's ongoing struggle against a deeply rooted trafficking crisis. According to NAPTIP, hundreds of Nigerian women and girls are trafficked annually to West African countries, Europe, and the Middle East under the guise of job offers or false promises.
Bello urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, noting that the rescued victims would undergo medical checks, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs coordinated by the agency and its partners.
"Together, we can build a Nigeria where no one is sold, abused, or forgotten," she added.
Speaking to journalists, the Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, who personally oversaw the rescue and transportation effort, said the initiative was driven by moral obligation rather than corporate gain.
"What happened to these girls is atrocious and must be condemned by everyone. Some are just 13, 14 years old. I didn't wait for the government-I had to act. We cannot wait for the government for everything," Onyema said on the tarmac.
Although the logistics of the operation reportedly led to an estimated ₦400 million loss for Air Peace due to canceled and delayed flights, Onyema insisted the cost was inconsequential compared to the value of human life.
"This is a national assignment. It's not about money. There's no amount of money that can equate to life. We are talking about restoring humanity."
Onyema also announced that all 78 returnees would receive full medical care at Duchess International Hospital, one of Nigeria's leading private health facilities. Medical teams would conduct thorough screenings for pregnancy, HIV, and other conditions stemming from their abuse.
"Some of them are pregnant. We need to test them for HIV. We must protect not only them but the entire population they will reintegrate into," he stated.
Furthermore, Onyema pledged that Air Peace, through its corporate social responsibility arm, would fully fund all medical care and rehabilitation services required to reintegrate the girls into society.
"We have already enrolled them at Duchess Hospital. All 150 on our list, whenever they arrive, will be taken care of. No one should be made to feel subhuman again," he added.
The Air Peace founder also called for national unity and a shift away from divisive politics and stigmatization.
"Nigeria is already stigmatized globally. We don't need to add ethnic or religious divides to our problems. We need broad nationalism-fighting for each other, not against each other."
Sunday's operation is reportedly the first wave of a broader rescue mission involving 150 Nigerian girls trapped under similar conditions in Côte d'Ivoire. Onyema pledged that Air Peace would continue to fly them home as arrangements progress.
The visibly emotional returnees were welcomed by immigration officials, support staff from Duchess Hospital, and human rights advocates. Many expressed relief and gratitude, with some bursting into tears as they disembarked.
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