Operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have arrested eight suspected members of a notorious human trafficking syndicate operating between Nigeria and Ghana, and rescued 29 victims, the majority of whom are foreign nationals from West African countries.
The operation was carried out at a popular apartment tucked away in Gwagwalada, a suburb of Abuja, following a credible intelligence tip-off from a foreign embassy in Nigeria.
This latest bust comes just days after NAPTIP intercepted another trafficking operation in Abuja, which led to the rescue of 25 women who were being trafficked to Saudi Arabia for domestic servitude.
Intelligence from Ghanaian Embassy Sparked Operation
According to NAPTIP, the raid was prompted by an official alert from the Ghanaian Embassy concerning a Ghanaian national allegedly trafficked to Nigeria under false pretenses. The victim was reportedly promised legitimate job opportunities but was later defrauded of $3,500, had his passport confiscated, and was subjected to exploitation.
The embassy, citing bilateral cooperation and anti-trafficking frameworks, requested urgent intervention, triggering a swift operational response by NAPTIP.
Details of the Raid
During the raid, eight suspects believed to be part of an organized transnational trafficking ring were arrested. Authorities also rescued 29 victims, including 20 females aged 17–28 and 9 males aged 18–30, who have since been taken into protective custody.
Recovered from the scene were:
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The Ghanaian victim’s international passport
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Multiple mobile phones
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SIM cards
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Financial transaction records
NAPTIP disclosed that the victims had been trafficked into Nigeria with expired temporary permits, and were allegedly being exploited for sexual and cybercrime-related activities.
Ongoing Support and International Collaboration
The rescued victims are currently receiving care and support in a secure shelter. NAPTIP has initiated consultations with relevant foreign missions to facilitate diplomatic and legal processes concerning the foreign nationals.
NAPTIP DG Condemns Cross-Border Trafficking
Speaking on the development, NAPTIP Director General Binta Adamu Bello, OON, condemned the operations of cross-border trafficking rings and highlighted the increasing trend of foreign nationals falling victim.
“This case highlights the transnational dimension of human trafficking and the vulnerabilities of individuals seeking better opportunities across borders,” Bello stated.
She praised the swift collaboration with the Ghanaian Embassy and emphasized the Agency’s zero-tolerance approach:
“The suspects will face the full wrath of the law. As I said recently, Nigeria will continue to be a hostile environment for human traffickers. We will intercept, rescue, and prosecute.”
Bello reaffirmed NAPTIP’s commitment to dismantling trafficking networks, securing justice for victims, and enhancing national and international partnerships to end human trafficking in all its forms.
