Crime
NIDCOM Gets 17 Trafficked Girls Rescued, 5 Traffickers Arrested in Ghana
NIDCOM Gets 17 Trafficked Girls Rescued, 5 Traffickers Arrested in Ghana
By: Michael Mike
Seventeen young Nigerian girls trafficked to Ghana have been rescued and repatriated back to the country while five traffickers were equally arrested.
This latest rescue operation brought to 130 girls repatriated back to Nigeria from Ghana alone since July 2024.
According to a statement signed on Sunday by the Director, Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM). Abdur-Rahman Balogun, this was sequel to the combined and coordinated efforts of the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Ghana, and the Nigerian High Commission in Accra.
Speaking on this latest efforts, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO NiDCOM, expressed her gratitude to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her support in facilitating the safe return of the young girls back to the country.
She also commended the vital roles played by the BOT Chairman of NIDO Ghana, Chief Callistus Elozieuwa,, and the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police Unit in bringing the traffickers to justice.
She reiterated NiDCOM’s commitment to protecting Nigerians in the diaspora under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which gave priority to combating human trafficking and safeguarding the rights of Nigerian citizens at home and in the Diaspora.
Balogun, in the statement, stated that the rescued young girls, ages 18 to 29 years, come from various states, including Anambra, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Imo, Edo, and Ebonyi.
He said they were lured to Ghana under false promises of employment but were instead forced into exploitative situations and bound by an oath of secrecy.
Dabiri-Erewa expressed her determination to the rescue of those still trafficked in conjuction with various stakeholders, noting that many more trafficked Nigerians are still awaiting rescue.
Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Ghana Police Service, Mr. Williams Ayaregah praised NiDCOM’s efforts under Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s leadership.
He said: “More than ever, traffickers must realise that Ghana is no longer a safe haven.”
The operation, conducted in Kpone Katamanso, Tema, resulted in one of the largest single- operation arrests, with five traffickers apprehended.
Mr. Akinboye Akinsola, representing NiDCOM, played a critical role in escorting the rescued women back to Nigeria, where they were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for rehabilitation and reintegration.
Chief Callistus Elozieuwa added that two young men were also repatriated, including one who was previously detained in Ghanaian prison.
With NIDO Ghana’s assistance, the young man underwent rehabilitation and has now returned to his home state, Anambra, for family reintegration.
This cross-national effort underscores NiDCOM’s dedication to eradicating human trafficking and highlights the importance of international collaboration to protect Nigerians abroad.
NIDCOM Gets 17 Trafficked Girls Rescued, 5 Traffickers Arrested in Ghana
Eight kidnapped victims regain freedom in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Eight kidnapped victims abducted from their farmlands in Kaduna State have regained freedom after spending several weeks in captivity.
Security sources said the victims arrived at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tantatu in Kajuru Local Government Area at about 9:00 a.m. on May 7.
The sources disclosed that the victims were among persons abducted on April 12 from farmlands near Kankomi village.
According to preliminary investigations, the victims were released from a terrorist camp located within Rijana Forest on May 6 before making their way to the troops’ location.
The sources said the victims were subsequently handed over to local authorities in Chikun Local Government Area for further care and necessary assistance.
Security agencies said efforts were ongoing to intensify operations against criminal groups operating within forests and rural communities across Kaduna State.
Eight kidnapped victims regain freedom in Kaduna
Troops arrest suspected terrorist collaborator linked to killing of traditional ruler in Imo
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops under Operation UDO KA have arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator allegedly linked to the killing of a traditional ruler in Imo State.
Security sources said the arrest was made at about 11:00 a.m. on May 7 following credible intelligence on the activities of a suspected armed group operating in parts of the state.
The sources disclosed that the operation was connected to an earlier attack on Sterling Global Company on February 26 and the killing of the traditional ruler of Ochia community on April 10.
According to the sources, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade arrested one of the suspects, identified as a youth leader in Assa community within Owerri metropolis.
Preliminary investigations reportedly indicated that the suspect had a role in the killing of the traditional ruler, though further interrogation is ongoing to determine the extent of his involvement.
The suspect is currently in military custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security authorities said the arrest forms part of ongoing operations aimed at dismantling armed groups and collaborators responsible for attacks on communities and critical infrastructure in the South-East.
Troops arrest suspected terrorist collaborator linked to killing of traditional ruler in Imo
Troops recover body of kidnapped Fulani community leader in Plateau, arrest suspect
By:Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4 under Operation Enduring Peace have recovered the decomposing body of a kidnapped community leader, Alhaji Lawal Abubakar Wakili of Kekong, during a search-and-rescue operation in Gashish District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the discovery was made at about 070930A on May 6 when troops, in collaboration with local residents, conducted a coordinated search within the fringes of Kurra, Jokko hills and surrounding bush areas.
The victim was reportedly abducted earlier at Gashish, prompting sustained search operations by troops and community members in the area.
Following the recovery of the body, tensions reportedly rose in parts of the community, with aggrieved residents demanding the release of suspects earlier arrested in connection with the kidnapping.
The sources said troops quickly brought the situation under control through engagement and assurance that due process and justice would be followed in handling the case.
In a related development, one Chiroma Bello Abdulkarim, 67, of Ningon village in Gashish District, was arrested in connection with the kidnapping and killing of the victim.
He is currently in custody undergoing investigation alongside other suspects linked to the incident.
Security operatives said calm had been restored in the area, while efforts were ongoing to track additional suspects believed to be connected to the crime.
They added that investigation was being intensified to uncover the circumstances surrounding the abduction and ensure all those involved are brought to justice.
Troops recover body of kidnapped Fulani community leader in Plateau, arrest suspect
Eight kidnapped victims regain freedom in Kaduna
Troops arrest suspected terrorist collaborator linked to killing of traditional ruler in Imo
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