78 Nigerian human trafficking victims return from Côte d’Ivoire

At least 78 Nigerian victims of human trafficking have been repatriated from Côte d’Ivoire, arriving in Lagos late Saturday night.

The returnees—comprising 73 women, two men, and three infants—landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport around 11:00 p.m., where they were received by the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mrs. Binta Bello.

Mrs. Bello described the return as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against human trafficking and reiterated NAPTIP’s commitment to the protection and reintegration of victims.

“This day marks not only the safe return of our daughters but also our renewed commitment to fighting human trafficking. To the young women and girls returning, we say: welcome home. You were taken away from safety and dignity, but today, you are back on Nigerian soil—and you are not alone,” she said.

She hailed the survivors’ resilience and stated that their return represents hope for others still trapped in trafficking networks. Bello also issued a warning to traffickers, emphasizing that the Nigerian government remains committed to pursuing justice.

She confirmed that some suspects involved in the trafficking network have already been apprehended and will face prosecution.

NAPTIP, she added, will begin profiling and interviews with the returnees to determine the best support strategies for them, including counselling and vocational training, as part of the agency’s reintegration programme.