July 5, 2024

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Seme Area Command says it has rescued five victims of human trafficking in Cote d’Ivoire.

Abdullahi Adamu, the Comptroller, Seme Area Command of NIS, disclosed this at a press conference on Friday.

He said that the Nigeria Immigration Attachés in Cote d‘Ivoire in collaboration with the Nigerian community in that country and some other partners, worked tirelessly to identify and rescue the victims.

Adamu added that the immigration service also provided critical support and assistance to ensure their safe return to Nigeria.

“These girls, aged between 17 to 21 were trafficked on June 15, 2024 to Cote d’Ivoire using irregular routes by notorious traffickers.

“The traffickers lured them with promises of better jobs in Cote d’Ivoire.

“They were later subjected to emotional abuse and forced into prostitution,” he said.

The comptroller said that the victims are currently receiving counseling and other necessary support.

He said that the command would hand them over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Lagos to reunite them with their families, and further necessary actions.

Adamu, however, said that the traffickers are currently on their watch list for possible arrest.

“We will continue to work with other partners to ensure that justice is served.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who engage in this heinous crime are brought to justice.

“This operation is a testament to the commitment of the Comptroller-General of the Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nana, in combating smuggling of migrants, human trafficking and protection of vulnerable migrants,” he said.

The security agencies present at the conference include officials from the Port Health, Nigeria Customs, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and their Béninois counterpart. (NAN)