Major Human Trafficking Ring Disrupted – 20 Victims Rescued
A joint operation by NAPTIP (National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons) and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has led to the successful disruption of a transnational human trafficking gang , rescuing 20 victims and arresting three key suspects .
According to a statement by Vincent Adekoye , NAPTIP’s press officer, the operation targeted an organised criminal network smuggling victims from countries like Equatorial Guinea and Togo into Nigeria for forced labor and other forms of exploitation.
The arrests were carried out in coordinated raids across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Osun, and Nasarawa states .
Operation Part of Broader Crackdown on Cross-Border Crime
This development follows a directive from NAPTIP Director-General Binta Bello , who said the agency has intensified surveillance along border communities to stop foreign criminal networks from exploiting Nigerian territory.
“We’ve increased our presence at borders and strengthened collaboration with sister agencies and international partners,” Adekoye explained.
The rescued victims revealed they were lured with promises of high-paying jobs in Nigeria , including assistance with travel documents for onward trips to Europe.
But upon arrival, they were subjected to forced labor and exploitation —with their identification documents seized and communication restricted.
Another Victim Rescued from Senegal
In a related case, NAPTIP, in coordination with the Nigerian Embassy in Senegal , rescued a middle-aged woman trafficked to Dakar under the false promise of a job as a hair stylist and make-up artist .
Instead, she was forced into prostitution by her trafficker, known as “Madam Rose” , who runs a child and sex trafficking ring in Kidira, Senegal .
When the victim refused to comply, her documents were taken, and she was abandoned without means to return home.
She later reported that her mental and emotional health had deteriorated significantly during captivity.
With urgent intervention from NAPTIP and the Nigerian Embassy, she was safely repatriated to Nigeria via Lagos .
Total Rescues Now Reach 21 in One Week
This latest rescue brings the total number of victims recovered from neighboring countries by NAPTIP in the past week to 21 .
Speaking on the operations, Director General Binta Bello praised the growing cooperation between NAPTIP, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies.
“These operations are strategic and targeted at dismantling transnational criminal networks using Nigeria as a hub for trafficking,” she said.
She added that these syndicates often move across West Africa, deceiving victims with job offers before exploiting them once in Nigeria.
“This is just the beginning,” Bello warned. “We will continue targeting these groups across the country.”
Full Support From Law Enforcement and Diplomatic Partners
Director General Bello also thanked Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye (Chief of Defence Intelligence) , the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) , and the Nigerian Embassy in Dakar for their critical roles in the rescue missions.
Special recognition was given to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigerian Immigration Service for facilitating the victim’s safe return.
“The case from Senegal is heartbreaking,” Bello said.
“She is a university graduate and mother of one who was promised wealth but instead faced trauma and abuse. We have begun tracking down the traffickers, including ‘Madam Rose’, and will ensure they face justice.”
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