Air Peace Airline has again intervene in the repatriation of distress Nigerians abroad as 78 Nigerian nationals who were victims of human trafficking in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire successfully arrived home.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Spokesperson, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa and made available to Channel Network Afrique, CNA.
The special flight according to the statement was at no cost to the Federal Government in the operation facilitated by the Embassy of Nigeria in Abidjan, NAPTIP, Nigerian Community in Abidjan and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with Air Peace Airlines.
“The Ministry wishes to underscore the Nigerian government’s unwavering commitment to protecting its citizens and combating human trafficking, and condemns in the strongest terms the inhumane and criminal act of human trafficking which exploits vulnerable individuals, especially underage girls.
“The Ministry, therefore, wishes to commend, Dr. Allen Onyema, the Chairman of Air Peace Airlines, for his patriotism and kind hearted intervention, and urge all stakeholders—including civil society, international partners, and the public—to join efforts in eradicating this menace,” the statement said.
The returnees according to the statement are expected to undergo debriefing and profiling by NAPTIP and other relevant agencies on arrival.
“The Ministry will continue to work with regional partners to dismantle trafficking networks and prosecute perpetrators.
“The Nigerian government remains resolute in its duty to safeguard the dignity and rights of its citizens, both at home and abroad.
“The Ministry, therefore, expresses its gratitude to the Ivorian authorities and all Nigerian Agencies involved in this humanitarian mission,” the statement concluded.
