At least 13 trafficked girls have reportedly been rescued from Ghana by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) in collaboration with other stakeholders.

The new development  brings the total repatriated back to the country within five months to 163, according to Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, NIDCOM, on Friday.

The rescued operation was said to be as a result of the combined and coordinated efforts of the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police, The Rescue live foundation International, and NIDO Ghana working in collaboration with NIDCOM.

Abdur-Rahman Balogun stated that the rescued young girls, ages 19 to 30 years, are from Ebonyi, Benue, Kaduna and Rivers states.

"They were lured to Ghana under the false promises of employment but were instead forced into exploitative situations and bound by an oath of secrecy, while the traffickers are making money off the dastardly act.

"NiDCOM representative, Mr Akinboye Akinsola, who accompanied the ladies back to Nigeria, where they were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for rehabilitation and reintegration said these set of ladies surrendered themselves willingly, having heard of  the ealier operation conducted in Kpone Katamanso and Tema.

"Chief Callistus Elozieuwa said with Rescue live Foundation International/NIDO Ghana’s assistance, the ladies were provided shelter for some days after they all willingly indicated their interest to come back home.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor of Ebonyi State, Mr Valentine Okike Uzo, thanked the Governor for his willingness to bring the ladies back home which in line with his efforts to care for all Ebonyi indigenes both home and in the Diaspora.

He assured that all efforts are in place to ensure a proper rehabilitation for the victims from Ebonyi State.