By The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has made a significant intervention by intercepting 13 females suspected of being trafficked. They were reportedly on their way to Baghdad, Iraq, for sexual and labor exploitation.
The victims, whose ages range between 19 and 39, were deceived and recruited by unknown, unregistered labor recruiters. These recruiters are believed to be working as part of a larger criminal network.
Authorities suspect that this criminal gang operates between Nigeria and several Middle Eastern countries, widening the reach of their illicit activities.
NAPTIP’s spokesman, Vincent Adekoye said the victims were incepted at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, in collaboration with partner agencies shortly before departing for Iraq.
In a related operation, agency operatives sealed off a popular Three Stars Hotel in Kwali, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, where 11 underage girls suspected of sexual exploitation were rescued.
These decisive actions underline NAPTIP’s commitment to dismantling trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
