The Plateau State Government, in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and non-governmental organisation, Ewe Rina Africa, has rescued a 23-year-old female athlete who was trafficked to Libya after being lured with the promise of a sporting scholarship.
The victim, identified as Jummai Garba, an Irigwe indigene from Rekwienku village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, was allegedly deceived by a human trafficking syndicate with promises of educational and sporting opportunities abroad before being subjected to sexual exploitation in Libya.
Her ordeal came to public attention in June after a Facebook post highlighted her condition and appealed to Nigerians to support efforts to secure her release and facilitate her return home.
The appeal quickly gained traction, drawing the attention of government agencies and humanitarian organisations involved in combating human trafficking.
Responding to the call, the Plateau State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunity Commission, partnered with NAPTIP and Ewe Rina Africa to coordinate Garba’s rescue and safe return to Nigeria.
The joint intervention culminated in her successful repatriation, with Garba arriving at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on June 29, 2026, where officials received her after the completion of the rescue process.
She is expected to undergo rehabilitation and receive psychosocial care, counselling and other reintegration support designed to help survivors of human trafficking rebuild their lives.
Confirming the development on Tuesday, the Irigwe Youth Movement (IYM) announced Garba’s return in a Facebook post, describing it as the outcome of sustained advocacy, collaboration and compassion.
“Her return is a powerful reminder that hope can be restored and that collective action can make a meaningful difference. Welcome home, Jummai,” the group wrote.
The organisation thanked the Plateau State Government, NAPTIP, Ewe Rina Africa and all individuals who contributed to the rescue effort, expressing hope that Garba would recover from her ordeal and rebuild her life in safety and dignity.