Air Peace has successfully carried out a humanitarian mission to repatriate 78 Nigerian women trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire under the false promise of employment.
The airline deployed a Boeing 737 (registration 5N-BQV) from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Saturday. It landed in Abidjan and returned the same day, flying the victims back to Nigeria at no cost.
Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema, emphasized the airline’s commitment to restoring the women’s dignity. “These women have gone through severe trauma. Bringing them home is just the first step we’re committed to their healing,” he stated.
He also announced that the women would receive comprehensive medical care at Duchess Hospital, fully sponsored by Air Peace. “All testing and treatment expenses will be covered,” Onyema confirmed.
The atmosphere on the return flight was emotional, as many of the women expressed deep relief. “This mission is about reaffirming their worth and reminding them they are not forgotten,” Onyema added.
He credited social media activist VeryDarkMan for spotlighting the women’s plight and urged Nigerians to remain alert and united in the fight against trafficking.
At the Lagos airport, NAPTIP Director-General Binta Bello praised the collaborative effort behind the rescue. “Today, Nigeria stands tall. These women are coming home not just to safety, but to support and justice. Arrests have already been made,” she said.
Bello extended gratitude to the Nigerian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire and local Nigerian leaders for facilitating the operation. Chargée d’Affaires Paul Obi and community leader Michael Onwuchelu managed documentation and logistics on the ground.
“These young women were lured and exploited. Today, we return them to freedom and dignity,” said Obi. “This effort showcases what we can achieve when we stand together as a nation.”
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