NAPTIP Rescues 17 Trafficked Victims, Arrests 4 in Onitsha Hotel Raid
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has raided a popular hotel in Onitsha, Anambra State, arresting four suspected traffickers and rescuing 17 victims allegedly trafficked for prostitution.
The operation was carried out following credible intelligence indicating that young women, some believed to be underage, were being harboured and exploited at the hotel located around the 33 Area of Onitsha Speaking on the development, NAPTIP officials said the raid was conducted with the support of security agencies, including military personnel, to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of suspects involved in the trafficking ring Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were recruited from different states, including Benue, Imo, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom, under the guise of legitimate job offers. Upon arrival in Onitsha, they were allegedly forced into prostitution and compelled to remit daily earnings to their handlers. Some of the rescued victims reportedly disclosed that they were made to attend to several clients daily and pay between ₦20,000 and ₦25,000 to their traffickers. NAPTIP also confirmed that four of the victims tested positive for HIV and are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support in collaboration with relevant health agencies in Anambra State. The Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu-Bello, condemned the act, describing it as inhuman and unacceptable. She commended the efforts of security operatives and community members whose information led to the successful operation. She further disclosed that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the trafficking network, including a suspected ringleader popularly referred to as a “Madam,” who is currently at large. The owner of the hotel has also been invited for questioning to determine the extent of the facility’s involvement in the illegal operation. NAPTIP reiterated its commitment to intensifying efforts to combat human trafficking across the country and urged the public to report suspicious activities to relevant authorities.
