ABUJA, Nigeria – The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says it has arrested five suspected traffickers and rescued 24 victims in a special operation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
NAPTIP spokesperson, Vincent Adekoye confirmed Wednesday that a retired senior security officer was among those arrested, allegedly a ringleader of a network spanning the South-West.
The six-hour raid disrupted trafficking attempts involving victims aged 15 to 26, recruited from Kano, Katsina, Oyo, Ondo, and Rivers States. They were reportedly destined for Iraq, Sudan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Afghanistan.
One victim said she was deceived with promises of supermarket work in Europe but was instead bound for Baghdad.
Another victim accused her father, also among the arrested traffickers, of betraying her trust.
NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello condemned the betrayal. “I am deeply disturbed that a retired law enforcement officer would deceive his own daughter into trafficking. We will ensure justice prevails,” she said.
Bello praised FAAN, DSS, immigration, and security agencies for supporting the operation and warned traffickers that airports will no longer serve as escape routes.
The victims are receiving counseling and temporary shelter.
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