Nigeria Rescues 78 Trafficked Women from Côte d’Ivoire in Major Repatriation Effort

In a coordinated and urgent mission, the Nigerian government has successfully rescued and repatriated 78 women who were victims of human trafficking in Côte d’Ivoire. The operation highlights the growing commitment by authorities to confront the persistent threat of human trafficking, particularly involving young Nigerian women lured abroad with false promises of employment.

The rescued victims, mostly aged between 13 and 30, had been trafficked under deceptive schemes, only to find themselves trapped in forced labor and sexual exploitation in various parts of Abidjan. Their ordeal came to light following mounting pressure from the public and civil society figures who brought the matter to national attention. In response, the Federal Government activated a swift inter-agency rescue operation involving the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigerian Embassy in Abidjan, and private sector partners.

The evacuation, which took place over the weekend, saw the victims flown back to Nigeria aboard a chartered aircraft. Upon arrival in Lagos, they were received by government officials and immediately placed under the care of NAPTIP for rehabilitation. The agency announced that the women would receive medical examinations, psychosocial support, and vocational training to help reintegrate them into society and avoid the risk of re-trafficking.

This rescue comes amid growing concern over the number of Nigerian women falling victim to human trafficking networks operating across West Africa. The operation serves as a reminder that traffickers continue to exploit the economic desperation of many young Nigerians, offering them non-existent jobs abroad in exchange for their freedom.

Authorities have reiterated that beyond rescue efforts, there must be long-term solutions to prevent trafficking at its roots. Part of this approach includes strengthening border control, improving public awareness about the dangers of human trafficking, and increasing prosecution of traffickers both locally and internationally. Officials emphasized that community involvement and vigilance are also key in exposing and disrupting trafficking rings.

The government has also assured Nigerians that this will not be a one-off intervention. Plans are underway to collaborate more closely with other countries in the region to detect and dismantle cross-border trafficking syndicates. This includes data-sharing, intelligence coordination, and diplomatic engagements aimed at ensuring that traffickers are brought to justice.

Meanwhile, the victims are being provided with shelter, trauma counseling, and medical treatment. Health professionals will conduct thorough screenings to assess the physical and psychological impact of their experience. Some of the victims are believed to have suffered severe abuse and will require extended care and support.

This successful operation not only brings relief to the families of the rescued women but also sends a clear message that the Nigerian government is taking a firmer stance against trafficking in persons. It demonstrates the impact that swift action and coordinated efforts can have in addressing a complex humanitarian issue that continues to claim thousands of lives each year.

As Nigeria continues to tackle the socio-economic conditions that make trafficking viable, authorities are urging young people to remain cautious and verify any overseas job offers before taking them up. Citizens are also encouraged to report suspected trafficking activities to the appropriate agencies to help prevent more cases like this from occurring.

The repatriation of these 78 victims marks a critical victory in the fight against trafficking, but it also highlights the work that remains to be done. With sustained commitment, better enforcement, and international cooperation, Nigeria hopes to reduce the vulnerability of its citizens and ensure that traffickers have no hiding place.