NAPTIP RESCUES 17 TRAFFICKED VICTIMS, APPREHENDS FOUR SUSPECTS IN ANAMBRA
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By: Muftau Fatimo
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) announced on Monday that it rescued 17 human trafficking victims and arrested four suspects during a raid on a popular hotel in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The operation, conducted with military support at the facility in the 33 area of the commercial city, also resulted in the arrest of two additional suspects allegedly involved in baby trafficking across South-East states.
NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, shared the information in a statement titled: “NAPTIP stings human traffickers in Anambra: raids popular hotel in Onitsha, arrests four suspects, rescues 17 victims.”
According to Adekoye, four of the rescued victims tested positive for HIV and are currently receiving counselling and medical care from NAPTIP staff and volunteers of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency
Adekoye said the raid followed credible intelligence from a non-state actor, which indicated the presence of underage girls at the hotel and concerns over their worsening health conditions.
Preliminary investigations also revealed that residents had long complained about suspicious activities at the 45-room facility, particularly the frequent influx of men allegedly patronising underage girls.
During the operation, some victims were reportedly found with customers, while others, dressed in revealing outfits, were said to be waiting for clients.
Under interrogation, the victims told officials they were recruited from Benue, Imo, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom states and trafficked to Onitsha for prostitution.
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They alleged that each of them was required to remit between N20,000 and N25,000 daily to their handler, popularly referred to as “madam,” after sleeping with multiple clients.
One of the victims said, “My boyfriend told me there was a job for me in Onitsha. When I arrived, the Madam sent someone to pick me at the park and introduced me to this hustling job.
“She told me I would earn N20,000 daily and that after a year, she would give me a box of clothes and N500,000 to start my own business. I did this work not willingly, but it was too late for me to refuse,” one victim said.
Another victim, whose HIV status the agency confirmed as compromised, alleged that their handler confiscated medication provided by health workers.
“When we were tested and found to be infected, they gave us medicine. But after the health workers left, our Madam beat us for going to see them. She took the drugs and warned us never to seek treatment again,” the victim added.
In response, NAPTIP Director-General Binta Adamu-Bello expressed concern about the victims’ health and strongly condemned the actions of their alleged handler.
“I sincerely thank the military in Onitsha and the Gender and Human Rights State Response Team under the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency for their timely support and collaboration during this operation,” she said.
“I am deeply concerned about the health of the rescued victims and the actions of their so-called Madam, who confiscated their antiretroviral medication and blocked their access to medical care. This is a criminal act, and we have launched a manhunt to apprehend her.”
Adamu-Bello added that the hotel owner has been summoned for questioning to determine potential sanctions against the facility.
She reaffirmed NAPTIP’s commitment to intensifying efforts to dismantle human trafficking networks nationwide, warning that traffickers would face stricter enforcement measures.
The agency’s Director-General recently vowed to make 2026 “unpleasant” for human traffickers who refuse to abandon the illegal trade.
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