NiDCOM Confirms Return of Trafficking Victim Rescued from Cairo

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has confirmed the return of a Nigerian woman rescued from human trafficking and labour exploitation in Cairo, Egypt.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the commission said the victim, Mrs. Busola Victoria Alale, arrived in Nigeria on April 22, 2026.

Alale, a 41-year-old indigene of Ogun State, was received at the Lagos airport by the commission’s representative, Mr. Dipo Odebowale, on behalf of the Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Her return, according to NiDCOM, was facilitated by an anonymous philanthropist who covered the cost of her trip back home.

Speaking after her arrival, Alale recounted the harsh conditions she endured while working as a domestic worker in Cairo.

She said she was subjected to long hours of labour, often beginning work at 9:00 a.m. and continuing until about 4:00 a.m. the following day, with little or no rest.

According to her, she was made to move between different employers daily, while the agent who arranged her travel collected all her earnings.

Alale explained that she had left Nigeria in search of better opportunities after her frozen food business collapsed, but described the experience abroad as distressing and deceptive.

She cautioned Nigerians, especially young women, against falling for promises of lucrative jobs overseas, warning that such offers often lead to exploitation.

NiDCOM said her rescue and return were made possible through the combined efforts of the anonymous donor, the Nigerian mission in Cairo, and the commission.

The returnee also expressed gratitude to the commission’s leadership, the donor, and the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner in Cairo for their roles in securing her freedom and safe passage home.

The commission reiterated its warning against irregular migration, urging Nigerians to verify employment opportunities through appropriate government channels before travelling abroad.

NiDCOM also stressed the need to expose and prosecute traffickers involved in such activities, noting that stronger awareness and enforcement remain critical in tackling the menace.

The development adds to a growing number of cases involving Nigerians stranded abroad under exploitative conditions, prompting renewed calls for caution and due diligence among prospective migrants.