The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the successful repatriation of 78 Nigerian nationals who were victims of human trafficking from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The special flight arrived the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja Lagos around 11 pm on Saturday.
A statement by the ministry's Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa on Saturday night said the operation was facilitated by the Embassy of Nigeria in Abidjan, NAPTIP, Nigerian Community in Abidjan and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with Air Peace Airlines, at no cost to the Federal Government.
According to the statement, The returnees are expected to undergo debriefing and profiling by NAPTIP and other relevant agencies on arrival.
The statement reads in parts; "The operation is facilitated by the Embassy of Nigeria in Abidjan, NAPTIP, Nigerian Community in Abidjan and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with Air Peace Airlines, at no cost to the Federal Government. The special flight arrived the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja Lagos around 11pm on Saturday.
"The Ministry wishes to underscore the Nigerian government’s unwavering commitment to protecting its citizens and combating human trafficking, and condemns in the strongest terms the inhumane and criminal act of human trafficking which exploits vulnerable individuals, especially underage girls.
"The Ministry, therefore, wishes to commend, Dr. Allen Onyema, the Chairman of Air Peace Airlines, for his patriotism and kind hearted intervention, and urge all stakeholders—including civil society, international partners, and the public—to join efforts in eradicating this menace .
"The returnees are 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.
"The Nigerian government remains resolute in its duty to safeguard the dignity and rights of its citizens, both at home and abroad. The Ministry, therefore, expresses its gratitude to the Ivorian authorities and all Nigerian Agencies involved in this humanitarian mission."