The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the return of 115 Nigerian victims of human trafficking from Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
According to a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, the returnees are expected to arrive in Lagos around 3 p.m. aboard a special Air Peace flight. The evacuation was conducted at no expense to the Nigerian government.
“The Ministry wishes to inform the public that 115 Nigerian victims of human trafficking are being repatriated from Abidjan, Ivory Coast today via a chartered Air Peace flight,” the statement read. “Their estimated time of arrival is 3 p.m. at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.”
The rescue mission follows a commitment made by Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema, who had earlier vowed to return underage girls trafficked to Ivory Coast free of charge.
In a post shared on the airline’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, Onyema condemned the act of human trafficking, calling it a cruel and inhumane crime. He reiterated the airline’s willingness to assist in bringing victims back home at no cost.
“We must all raise our voices against all forms of trafficking. It is evil and must not be tolerated. Air Peace is fully committed to flying our fellow Nigerians home free of charge,” he said.
Onyema also revealed that the returnees would receive free medical checkups and treatment at Duchess International Hospital in Ikeja.
He called on the Nigerian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire to collaborate with the airline for effective coordination and urged the Federal Government to support the victims’ rehabilitation through education and family reunification.
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