The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in collaboration with the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), has dismantled a transnational human trafficking ring, rescuing 20 victims and arresting three suspects.
The victims, trafficked from Equatorial Guinea and Togo to Nigeria under false promises of lucrative jobs, were found to be subjected to labor exploitation upon arrival.
The crackdown was executed in the Federal Capital Territory, Osun, and Nasarawa states, targeting syndicate strongholds and kingpins.
According to NAPTIP spokesperson Vincent Adekoye, the operation followed directives from Director-General Hajia Binta Adamu-Bello to boost surveillance in border regions and disrupt cross-border trafficking operations.
Adekoye revealed that some victims had initially prepared documentation for migration to Europe but were diverted and exploited in Nigeria instead. During interrogation, the victims recounted being deceived with job offers and stripped of their identities upon arrival.
In a related case, NAPTIP working with the Nigerian Embassy in Senegal rescued a Nigerian woman from a remote Senegalese village. She was promised employment as a hair stylist but was instead forced into prostitution.
Her trafficker, known as ‘Madam Rose,’ reportedly confiscated her documents and abandoned her, leaving her stranded and traumatised in Kidira, Senegal.
The woman, a graduate and mother of one, was received at NAPTIP’s Lagos Command after being assisted by immigration officers at the border.
Adamu-Bello emphasized that these operations mark a renewed offensive against trafficking networks operating across West Africa.
“These traffickers exploit victims by isolating them, seizing their documents, and exposing them to inhumane conditions,” she said, noting that further arrests and operations are underway nationwide.
She thanked the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, and the Office of the National Security Adviser for supporting inter-agency collaboration. She also commended the Nigerian Embassy in Dakar and border officials for their assistance.
NAPTIP has launched a manhunt for ‘Madam Rose’ and pledged to bring all perpetrators to justice.
With the addition of the Senegalese victim, NAPTIP has rescued 21 individuals from trafficking in the past week alone.
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