Air Peace rescue mission took flight on May 10, 2025, bringing back 78 Nigerian women trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire. The women were flown back home free-of-charge by Air Peace Limited, underlining the airline’s humanitarian commitment and national responsibility.
The Boeing 737 aircraft, bearing registration 5N-BQV, was deployed from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at exactly 14:14hrs. It headed for Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan. On return, the flight landed safely in Lagos at 22:46hrs, carrying the rescued women who had suffered traumatic experiences abroad.
Many of the returnees had fallen prey to exploitation and deceit. They narrated stories of false promises that ended in abuse and abandonment. This rescue flight represents a renewed chance for them to rebuild their lives in safety.
Chairman of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, personally led the charge for the intervention. Known for his unwavering patriotism, Dr. Onyema pledged in April 2025 to carry out the repatriation without asking for any payment. True to his promise, he followed through with the delivery of medical and psychosocial care upon their arrival.
“Human trafficking offends our common humanity,” said Dr. Onyema, addressing journalists at the Lagos airport. “We were compelled to act. These are our sisters, our mothers, and daughters. Air Peace, as the people’s airline, will never look away when Nigerians are in pain abroad.”
The success of the mission stemmed from seamless collaboration. Air Peace worked closely with the Nigerian Embassy in Abidjan and the Nigerian Community in Côte d’Ivoire. These partners ensured proper documentation and travel clearance for the affected women.
President of the Nigerian Community in Côte d’Ivoire, Chief Michael Emeka Onwuchelu, expressed profound gratitude. “Dr. Onyema’s action goes beyond corporate responsibility,” he said. “This is divine intervention. These women had lost hope. What Air Peace has done is unforgettable and deeply humane.”
Mr. Paul Obi, a senior officer from the Office of the Chargée d’Affaires at the Nigerian Embassy in Abidjan, also praised the effort. “It was a challenging operation,” he said. “From undocumented status to health and safety risks, these women were in danger. This initiative brought relief. We faced diplomatic and logistical obstacles, but Air Peace stood firm.”
Dr. Onyema emphasized that this act was not an isolated event. He reaffirmed his dedication to repatriating Nigerians facing hardship, regardless of their location. “Our aircraft will always be ready for missions that uplift lives,” he assured. “Being a flag carrier means shouldering the nation’s burdens with compassion.”
Indeed, the Air Peace rescue mission fits into a broader pattern of timely interventions. In 2019, the airline evacuated over 500 Nigerians from xenophobic attacks in South Africa. In 2020, it operated repatriation flights during the COVID-19 lockdowns. In 2022, Air Peaceassisted Nigerians fleeing the Ukraine conflict. By May 2023, it had also airlifted citizens escaping unrest in Sudan.
The May 2025 mission to Abidjan stands as another shining example of leadership. More than showcasing operational efficiency, it reflects the airline’s evolving role as a moral standard-bearer within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
As corporate gestures go, Air Peace’s actions speak louder than profit margins. At a time when many airlines offer financial donations, Air Peace offers actual salvation. It carries not just passengers—but the hopes and dignity of a nation.
