NIDO Africa, NiDCOM Rescue 12-Year-Old Nigerian Girl from Traffickers in Cote d’Ivoire
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Africa, Prof. Jude Osakwe, has revealed how a 12-year-old Nigerian girl was rescued from human traffickers in Cote d’Ivoire following a coordinated intervention involving diaspora and Nigerian authorities.
Osakwe disclosed that the child was lured out of Nigeria under false promises of employment abroad. According to him, the girl’s parents, who reside in Warri, Delta State, were told she would travel to Canada to work in a restaurant.
The traffickers allegedly convinced the girl’s stepfather to release her, claiming she would secure legitimate employment overseas. Instead, she was taken to Cote d’Ivoire as part of a trafficking network operating within West Africa.
Osakwe explained that a task force set up by NIDO in Cote d’Ivoire tracked and located the minor. The operation received support from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, as well as officials at the Nigerian embassy in the host country.
Through joint efforts, the girl was rescued and safely returned to Nigeria, where she has since reunited with her family.
The NIDO Africa chairman said moves are underway to apprehend all individuals involved in the trafficking chain, both within Nigeria and abroad. He confirmed collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons to ensure those responsible face prosecution.
Osakwe also called on the National Assembly to strengthen existing laws by introducing stricter penalties for parents or guardians who hand over children to traffickers under the guise of seeking better opportunities.
He further announced plans to establish NIDO task forces across African countries to intensify efforts against human trafficking and protect vulnerable Nigerian minors in the diaspora.
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