In a major victory against transnational human trafficking, 78 Nigerian girls and young women were rescued and flown back home from Côte d’Ivoire in the early hours of Sunday in a dramatic repatriation effort spearheaded by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and supported by Air Peace Airlines.
Touching down at Murtala Muhammed International Airport around 1:00 a.m., the survivors—some visibly pregnant and many still traumatized—were received with compassion by NAPTIP officials, immigration personnel, and medical teams.
Describing the mission as “a triumph of compassion and national duty,” NAPTIP Director-General Dr. Fatima Waziri-Azi hailed the operation as a testament to Nigeria’s resolve in dismantling trafficking syndicates.
“These are not just victims—they are brave daughters of our land who endured horror and have now returned to hope,” Waziri-Azi said. “This operation underscores our firm commitment to ending this evil and restoring dignity to every Nigerian.”
While refraining from disclosing operational specifics, Waziri-Azi confirmed that several suspects tied to the trafficking ring have already been arrested and will face justice. She also revealed that the rescue was made possible through strategic coordination between the Nigerian government, global partners, and the private sector—most notably Air Peace, which provided the repatriation flight free of charge.
Air Peace Chairman and CEO, Allen Onyema, who personally oversaw the rescue, expressed deep emotion at the plight of the victims, some of whom he said were as young as 13.
“This is beyond business; it’s a moral responsibility,” Onyema said. “We lost about ₦400 million in flight disruptions, but that’s nothing compared to the lives we’ve saved. These girls were stripped of dignity. Today, we help them reclaim it.”
Onyema announced that all 78 girls would receive comprehensive medical care—including HIV testing, pregnancy support, and trauma counseling—at Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, fully funded by Air Peace’s corporate social responsibility division. He added that the medical support would extend to the full group of 150 girls expected to be repatriated in waves.
“This is only the first phase,” he revealed. “More girls are still trapped. We will not stop until every one of them is back home and safe.”
The visibly shaken girls were welcomed by a team of doctors, psychologists, immigration officials, and human rights volunteers. Some wept as they disembarked, overwhelmed by emotion and relief.
According to NAPTIP, human trafficking remains a growing crisis, with Nigerian girls often lured abroad by fake job offers or promises of a better life. Many end up in forced labor or sex trafficking rings, especially in West Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Waziri-Azi urged citizens to stay vigilant and report any suspicious movement or activities linked to trafficking. “We must protect our daughters before they fall into the hands of predators,” she said.
The successful rescue also prompted a wider call from Onyema for national unity and collective action. “This isn’t about tribe or religion—it’s about humanity. Let’s stop fighting each other and start fighting for each other,” he added.
As the girls begin their long journey to recovery, both NAPTIP and Air Peace emphasized that reintegration efforts—including housing, education, and vocational training—would be sustained through collaboration with civil society and international partners.
For now, however, the return of these 78 survivors is being celebrated as a powerful reminder that even in the face of darkness, hope can still take flight.
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