Nigerian airline Air Peace has pledged to provide free evacuation and medical assistance to a group of trafficked Nigerian girls currently stranded in Ivory Coast. The airline made this commitment following a wave of public concern sparked by Nigerian activist Verydarkman, who brought the situation to national attention through social media.
The case involves several Nigerian girls who were trafficked to Ivory Coast under false pretenses and are now reportedly living in dire conditions. Many of the victims are said to be suffering from various forms of abuse, exploitation, and health complications. Their plight was highlighted after Verydarkman shared videos and posts detailing their living conditions and called for urgent intervention from both the Nigerian government and private stakeholders.
Reacting swiftly to the outcry, Air Peace Chairman and CEO Allen Onyema announced that the airline would step in to assist. Onyema stated that the airline is willing to fly the affected girls back to Nigeria free of charge and also cover their medical expenses upon return. According to Onyema, this initiative is part of the airline’s ongoing commitment to national service and humanitarian causes.
Onyema emphasized that the exploitation of Nigerian citizens abroad is a serious issue that demands immediate action. He called on other well-meaning individuals and organizations to support efforts to bring the trafficked girls home and provide them with the care they need. He added that Air Peace had already contacted relevant authorities to facilitate the safe evacuation of the victims from Ivory Coast.
While the exact number of girls involved has not yet been confirmed, initial reports suggest that dozens may be affected. Nigerian consular officials in Ivory Coast are reportedly working with local authorities to identify the victims and organize the logistics necessary for their safe return. There are also ongoing efforts to ensure that those responsible for the trafficking are brought to justice.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has acknowledged the situation and said it is working closely with the Nigerian Embassy in Abidjan to address the issue. Ministry officials confirmed that a verification process is underway to determine the identities and health status of the trafficked girls. Once completed, this process will help coordinate the evacuation effort and ensure that the victims receive proper care.
Several advocacy groups and human rights organizations have applauded Air Peace’s intervention, describing it as a timely and compassionate gesture. Many have also credited Verydarkman for using his platform to shed light on the issue, prompting swift responses from both private and public sectors. Social media has been flooded with messages of support for the victims and appreciation for those working to secure their return.
Human trafficking remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria, with many young women and girls falling prey to syndicates that promise jobs or education abroad, only to subject them to forced labor or sexual exploitation. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has identified West Africa as a significant source, transit, and destination region for human trafficking, and has consistently urged governments in the region to strengthen preventive measures and international cooperation.
As the evacuation plans move forward, Air Peace has reiterated its readiness to carry out the mission as soon as the necessary arrangements are finalized. Onyema called the planned rescue not just an act of charity but a moral responsibility that aligns with the airline’s values. He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities that could indicate human trafficking.
The development has also reignited conversations around the need for stronger border controls, better public awareness campaigns, and more robust support systems for vulnerable populations in Nigeria. Many are now calling for a national strategy to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future and to ensure that victims receive long-term rehabilitation support upon their return.
For now, the focus remains on bringing the trafficked girls back home safely and providing them with immediate medical care and psychological support. Stakeholders involved in the operation have assured the public that every effort is being made to ensure the process is smooth, swift, and conducted with the utmost care for the victims’ welfare.
