Five young Nigerian men who spent months in the MACA Prison in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire, have finally returned home following a rescue operation by the Nigerian Federal Government. These individuals were apprehended last August while traveling from Sokoto for business and were held without formal charges or a trial until official intervention secured their freedom.
Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu confirmed the safe arrival of the group at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The minister, accompanied by National Orientation Agency Director General Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, emphasized that the lack of communication regarding the detainees’ imprisonment significantly hampered early diplomatic efforts. According to the minister, the group suffered primarily due to a severe language barrier, as they were unable to navigate the French-speaking legal system or obtain proper representation.
Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted the vulnerability of young Nigerians undertaking dangerous irregular migration paths, stating that the government intends to pursue compensation from Ivorian authorities for the ordeal. Aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to citizen welfare, the government is also urging the Sokoto State administration to provide reintegration assistance, including vocational training, to help the men recover from the trauma they experienced.