The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Bello, announced that the agency had arrested five suspected traffickers and rescued 24 victims of human trafficking.
In a statement released on Wednesday, NAPTIP’s National Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, said the arrests followed a high-powered special operation at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Among those arrested was a retired senior officer from a leading Nigerian law enforcement agency, who was allegedly a prominent member of a trafficking syndicate operating in the South-West.
The agency described the operation as part of its intensified campaign against human trafficking under Bello’s leadership, targeting recruitment hubs, trafficking hotspots, and known routes across the country.
In response to rising cases of Nigerians being recruited and trafficked for exploitation both at home and abroad, Bello recently ordered enhanced surveillance and monitoring nationwide, with particular focus on motor parks, coastal waterways, and international airports.
The latest raid followed a tip-off from stakeholders who reported an influx of suspected victims at the Abuja airport and suspicious activities by traffickers.
After nearly six hours of operations, NAPTIP said it had “completely disrupted” trafficking activities.
The victims, aged between 15 and 26, were recruited from Kano, Katsina, Oyo, Ondo, and Rivers States, and were destined for Iraq, Sudan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Afghanistan.
Many of the victims could only speak their local dialects, while some were unaware of their intended destinations. One victim revealed, “They told my mother I would be taken to Europe to work and earn dollars. My parents were happy and allowed me to go.”
At NAPTIP headquarters, one victim vowed to prosecute her father for deceiving her into travelling. She said after watching videos of trafficked Nigerians suffering abroad:
“I was furious with my father. He told me his friend had a supermarket job for me in Baghdad but never said it was in Iraq. I know Iraq is unsafe due to the crisis, but I didn’t realise Baghdad is there. I am grateful to NAPTIP for rescuing me. I want my passport back so I can return home and build my life here.”
Speaking on the operation, Bello expressed disappointment at the actions of traffickers and unregistered labour recruiters who continue to deceive and exploit Nigerians.
“I am pleased with the outcome of today’s operation. We arrested five suspected members of a trafficking gang recruiting our citizens for exploitation in conflict-prone countries, especially in the Middle East.
“It is shocking that a retired senior law enforcement officer deceived his own daughter and prepared her for trafficking to Iraq. All suspects will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
“I thank the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, airport management, security personnel, immigration officers, and airline operators for their collaboration. Human trafficking is a serious national concern, and we must work together to dismantle these criminal networks. Our commitment to protecting Nigerians from exploitation remains unwavering.”