NAPTIP Rescues 13 At Abuja Airport, Shuts Down Traffickers’ Hotel
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
Human trafficking networks are evolving, using deception and false promises to lure victims into modern slavery. But NAPTIP is not resting on its oars in the fight.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has intercepted 13 Nigerian women at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, just before they were flown to Baghdad, Iraq, where they were destined for sexual and labour exploitation.
It was gathered that the victims, aged between19 and 39, were recruited by unregistered labour agents operating between Nigeria and the Middle East, decieving their victims with promises of lucrative jobs abroad.
NAPTIP operatives who got tip-off from concerned partners who noticed suspicious movements at the airport, intervened immediately, and rescued the women.
The agency expressed deep concern over the rising activities of illegal recruiters and the dangers unsuspecting victims face.
In another operation, NAPTIP sealed a popular hotel in Kwali, Abuja, rescuing 11 underage girls who were being exploited for sex.
The hotel owner was arrested, while other staff members fled.
NAPTIP’s Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, lamented the level of deceit traffickers employ, noting that many victims sent abroad end up in terrible conditions.
She pointed out that while some never receive promised salaries, others return with life-threatening injuries.
“We cannot stand by and let more Nigerians fall into this trap,” she said, vowing to track down the criminals behind the syndicate.
NAPTIP has therefore, called on parents to be vigilant and urged all labour recruiters to obtain clearance certificates to prevent further exploitation of Nigerian citizens.
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