NAPTIP Dismantles Suspected International Human Trafficking Ring

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has dismantled a suspected human trafficking ring operating between Nigeria and Ghana, arresting eight individuals and rescuing 29 victims, mostly foreign nationals, during a raid in Gwagwalada, a suburb of Abuja.

The operation, conducted at a popular apartment complex, was prompted by an intelligence report from a foreign embassy in Abuja.

According to NAPTIP’s press officer, Vincent Adekoye, this success follows closely after another operation in which 25 women were rescued while being trafficked to Saudi Arabia for domestic exploitation.

The investigation began following a formal complaint from the Ghanaian Embassy regarding a Ghanaian national who was allegedly lured to Nigeria under false pretenses and subsequently exploited. The victim was reportedly defrauded of USD 3,500, and his passport and belongings were confiscated, making him vulnerable to the traffickers.

“This report triggered immediate operational action in compliance with the agency’s mandate to prevent, suppress, and prosecute trafficking in persons,” Adekoye stated.

During the raid, eight suspects, believed to be key members of the trafficking network, were apprehended and are currently undergoing profiling and interrogation.

The international passport and personal effects of the primary Ghanaian victim were recovered amongst them. Other items seized included mobile phones, SIM cards, and financial transaction records, all suspected to be linked to trafficking activities.

The 29 rescued victims, comprising 20 females aged between 17 and 28 and 9 males aged between 18 and 30, are now in protective custody, receiving immediate assistance.

Preliminary investigations revealed that many victims, whose temporary permits had expired, were trafficked to Nigeria for alleged sexual exploitation and cybercrime activities.

NAPTIP is currently in discussions with relevant diplomatic missions regarding the foreign nationals among the rescued persons.

“This case highlights the transnational dimension of human trafficking and the vulnerabilities of individuals seeking better opportunities across borders,” said NAPTIP Director General, Binta Bello.

“The swift intervention by the agency, in collaboration with the Ghanaian Embassy, demonstrates the importance of timely intelligence sharing and coordinated law enforcement responses.”

Bello reiterated the agency’s commitment to eradicating human trafficking. “The suspects in this case will face the full force of the law, and as I warned a few weeks ago, the atmosphere in Nigeria will continue to be tough for them to operate,” she declared. “We will continue to disrupt their operations, intercept and rescue victims, and prosecute offenders.”

NAPTIP urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of human trafficking. The agency remains dedicated to ensuring justice for victims, dismantling trafficking networks, and strengthening partnerships at both national and international levels to combat this heinous crime.