Operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have arrested eight suspected human traffickers and rescued 29 victims during a major raid on a popular apartment in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
The suspects, believed to be part of a notorious transnational trafficking syndicate operating between Nigeria and Ghana, were apprehended following intelligence received from the Ghanaian Embassy in Abuja.
NAPTIP said the victims, comprising 20 females aged between 17 and 28, and nine males aged between 18 and 30, are mostly foreign nationals from West African countries.
They were rescued from the apartment and placed in protective custody, where they are receiving immediate assistance.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate lured the victims with promises of lucrative opportunities but subjected them to exploitation upon arrival in Nigeria.
One Ghanaian victim was reportedly defrauded of $3,500, after which his international passport and personal belongings were confiscated by the traffickers.
The rescued victims, whose temporary permits had expired, were allegedly trafficked for sexual exploitation and cybercrime activities. Items recovered during the raid include international passports, mobile phones, SIM cards, and financial transaction records believed to be linked to trafficking operations.
NAPTIP explained that the operation was launched after the Ghanaian Embassy requested urgent intervention under existing bilateral anti-trafficking frameworks.
“This case highlights the transnational dimension of human trafficking and the vulnerabilities of individuals seeking better opportunities across borders,” said Binta Bello, Director General of NAPTIP.
Read also:
- NAPTIP raids Katsina hotel, arrests suspected human traffickers
- NAPTIP, DIA bust transnational human trafficking syndicate, rescue 20 Foreign Victims
- NAPTIP inaugurates anti-human trafficking vanguards in Delta
She stressed that the swift action, carried out in collaboration with the Ghanaian Embassy, demonstrates the importance of intelligence sharing and coordinated law enforcement efforts in tackling human trafficking in West Africa.
The NAPTIP boss vowed that traffickers would face the full wrath of the law.
“The atmosphere in Nigeria will continue to be tough for them to operate. We shall disrupt their activities, rescue victims, and prosecute traffickers,” Bello declared.
She further reiterated NAPTIP’s commitment to justice for victims, dismantling trafficking syndicates, and strengthening international partnerships to eradicate human trafficking.
The 29 rescued victims are currently in safe shelters, while discussions are ongoing with diplomatic missions regarding the repatriation and rehabilitation of foreign nationals among them.
