Air Peace has successfully repatriated 78 Nigerian women who were trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire under the false guise of employment.
The airline carried out this humanitarian operation free of charge, using a Boeing 737 aircraft (registration 5N-BQV) to fly from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos to Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan.
The aircraft then returned to Lagos with the victims the same day.
Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema, expressed the airline’s commitment to restoring the dignity of the women, who had endured severe hardship.
“These women have suffered immensely. They deserve not only to be brought back home but also to be treated with the utmost care and respect,” Onyema said.
He also announced that the airline would cover all medical expenses for the women, ensuring they received necessary treatment at Duchess Hospital in Lagos.
Onyema highlighted the emotional significance of the mission, sharing that the women expressed joy and a renewed sense of belonging during their flight back to Nigeria.
“This mission is about restoring their humanity. They were dehumanized while abroad. Now, they will see that their country values them,” he added.
The efforts of social media activist VeryDarkMan, whose advocacy brought attention to the plight of the women, were also acknowledged. Onyema urged Nigerians to stay vigilant against human trafficking networks that continue to exploit vulnerable individuals.
At the reception in Lagos, Binta Bello, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), praised the collaborative efforts that led to the successful rescue and reaffirmed the agency’s ongoing commitment to combating human trafficking.
“This is a proud moment for Nigeria. We welcome these women back with open arms and a commitment to helping them rebuild their lives,” Bello said. She also confirmed that some of the traffickers involved in the case had been arrested and would face justice.
Bello further expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire and the local Nigerian community, with Chargé d’Affaires Paul Obi and community leader Michael Onwuchelu coordinating logistics and documentation to facilitate the operation.
Obi expressed relief at the successful repatriation, stating, “These young women were deceived and lured with false promises, only to end up in dire conditions. Bringing them home not only restores their freedom but also their dignity.”
He also praised Dr. Onyema for his unwavering support, noting, “This mission exemplifies the spirit of unity and compassion that defines us as Nigerians. We are grateful for his dedication to our people.”