The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the repatriation of 115 Nigerian citizens who were victims of human trafficking in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
In a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, announced that the returnees would arrive in Lagos aboard a special Air Peace flight at approximately 3 p.m. Nigerian time.
The repatriation is being carried out at no cost to the Nigerian government.
“The Ministry wishes to inform that one hundred and fifteen (115) Nigerian nationals, victims of human trafficking, will be repatriated from Abidjan, Ivory Coast today via a special flight operated by Air Peace,” the statement read.
“The estimated time of arrival is 3 p.m. at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.”
The development follows a promise made by the Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, who had earlier pledged to return trafficked underage girls from Ivory Coast free of charge.
Onyema, in a statement posted on the airline’s X (formerly Twitter) handle, called for a united effort to end human trafficking, describing it as a cruel and ungodly practice.
“We must collectively speak against trafficking of any form. It is heartless and inhumane. Air Peace is committed to bringing our fellow citizens back home at no cost,” Onyema stated.
He further revealed that all returnees would be taken to Duchess International Hospital in Ikeja for free medical care.
He also urged the Nigerian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire to coordinate with the airline to facilitate the return and called on the Federal Government to support the reintegration of the victims by ensuring access to education and reuniting them with their families.
