The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has successfully received 13 Nigerian trafficking victims who were rescued from exploitation in Ghana and Mali, according to a statement released on Sunday.

The rescued individuals include 12 girls and a five-year-old boy who had fallen victim to human trafficking networks operating across West Africa. Eleven victims were rescued from Ghana, while two women were repatriated from Mali.

Mr. Dipo Odebowale, Head of NiDCOM's Lagos Liaison Office, speaking on behalf of Commission Chairperson Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, revealed that the victims had been deceived with false employment promises before being forced into prostitution in Ghana.

"The traffickers exploited the victims' vulnerability under the guise of better opportunities abroad," Odebowale stated.

According to the press release signed by NiDCOM's Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the 11 girls rescued from Ghana are aged between 16 and 30 years and hail from various Nigerian states including Cross River (4), Benue (4), Imo (1), and Oyo (1).

The two women rescued from Mali, aged 27 and 35, are from Adamawa State. They shared disturbing accounts of sexual abuse, physical assault, and emotional trauma with NiDCOM officials during their repatriation.

Dabiri-Erewa has reaffirmed NiDCOM's commitment to collaborating with the victims' respective state governments to ensure proper rehabilitation, reintegration, and psychological support for the survivors.

The NiDCOM Chairperson also called for stringent legal action against traffickers and urged greater efforts to publicly expose trafficking networks operating across the West African region.

All victims have since been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for profiling, counseling, and further support as they begin their journey of recovery and reintegration into society.

This rescue operation highlights the ongoing challenge of human trafficking in West Africa and the continued efforts of Nigerian authorities to combat these criminal networks and protect vulnerable citizens.