NAPTIP Busts Human Trafficking Syndicate In Abuja, Rescues 25 Women

NAPTIP Rescues 25 Women From Human Trafficking Syndicate in Abuja

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has successfully rescued 25 women in Abuja from the clutches of a suspected trafficking network that was allegedly preparing to move them to Saudi Arabia for labour exploitation.

The women, aged between 17 and 43, were intercepted by NAPTIP operatives in front of a popular hotel in Wuse II, where the traffickers had assembled them in anticipation of onward transportation.

According to iReporter Online, the victims were deceptively recruited from Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina States under the guise of securing lucrative domestic jobs abroad.

Upon arrival in Abuja, they were reportedly left stranded and confused, as none of the traffickers who promised them travel documents showed up.

One of the victims shared her experience with investigators, saying:

“Some people came to our village and told my parents they would help me travel abroad to work as a house help in Saudi Arabia. They promised good pay so I could take care of my family. They asked us to wait here for our travel documents and instructions, but none of them showed up.”

NAPTIP’s Director-General, Dr. Binta Adamu Bello, confirmed the operation, stating that a popular travel agency has been linked to the trafficking ring. A full-scale manhunt for the agency and its operatives is now underway.

“This is a disturbing new trend,” Dr. Bello said.
“Trafficking syndicates are now using Abuja as a central muster point for transporting victims out of the country. Only a few months ago, another group was intercepted near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. Now, we’ve rescued another 25 women.”

According to iReporter Online, Bello urged the Association of Recruiters and Licensed Placement Agencies of Nigeria to enforce stricter oversight on their members. She emphasized that many of the victims are misled by traffickers who exploit their economic vulnerability and lack of awareness.

“The heartbreaking truth is that many of these women willingly accepted the traffickers’ offers, unaware of the suffering, abuse, and exploitation that often awaits them in foreign countries,” she said.
“The good news is that we have disrupted this operation and are closing in on those behind it.”

The rescue mission was part of NAPTIP’s intensified efforts to monitor human trafficking activity across major cities.

According to iReporter Online, recent intelligence reports indicate a surge in recruitment efforts targeting young women in rural areas, with Abuja becoming a transit hub for international trafficking.

NAPTIP confirmed that the rescued victims are now in protective custody and are receiving psychosocial support, while investigations continue.

The agency also reiterated its commitment to working with law enforcement and international partners to dismantle trafficking networks and bring perpetrators to justice.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”