In a major breakthrough against human trafficking, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that 231 Nigerian youths rescued from a trafficking syndicate in Ghana will be repatriated to Lagos on Friday.
The victims, predominantly young men, were reportedly lured to Ghana with promises of legitimate employment but were instead forced into cybercrime activities and held captive in a residential estate in Accra. Authorities revealed that 219 of them were found crammed into about 25 small rooms, enduring inhumane conditions. Disturbingly, some victims suffered physical abuse, including one whose legs were broken for failing to meet illicit financial demands.
The rescue operation was conducted by Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) following a tip-off from the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana. Speaking after visiting EOCO headquarters in Accra, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, praised the swift and humane response of the Ghanaian authorities. She described the case as an example of “modern slavery” and issued a stern warning to Nigerian youths against falling prey to fraudulent overseas job offers.
In a statement issued by her media aide, Magnus Eze, Odumegwu-Ojukwu reiterated the federal government’s commitment to tackling youth unemployment through expanded skill acquisition programs. “You are lucky this time,” she cautioned the rescued individuals. “Not all countries are this merciful. In others, you could face harsh penalties.”
The minister also reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s focus on citizen-centered diplomacy and pledged Nigeria’s continued collaboration with Ghana to combat organized crime. She further revealed ongoing efforts to establish prisoner transfer agreements to repatriate detained Nigerians from countries like Ethiopia.
Meanwhile, EOCO’s Executive Director, Bashiru Dapilah, disclosed that several Ghanaian nationals, including the estate owner who harbored the victims, have been arrested and will be prosecuted.
The victims are scheduled to arrive in Lagos on Friday, where they will undergo reintegration and rehabilitation programs initiated by Nigerian authorities.
