NAPTIP Busts Human Trafficking Syndicate, Rescues Victims In Heroic Operation

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP) has achieved a major breakthrough in the fight against human trafficking with the successful dismantling of a notorious syndicate involved in the trafficking of young Nigerian girls.

Two suspects, Waukomis Chidiebere Chukwu and Joseph Okoi Nka, were apprehended in connection with the heinous crimes and were paraded at the agency’s headquarters on Friday.

Speaking at a press briefing, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, the Director General of NAPTIP, expressed her determination to bring the perpetrators of such heinous acts to justice.

She emphasized the vulnerability of young girls who often fall victim to these criminal networks, making it imperative to eradicate human trafficking in all its forms.

The operation leading to the arrest of the suspects was carried out on June 9, 2023, at approximately 11:00 AM, following extensive undercover work by NAPTIP operatives. The syndicate specialized in trafficking young female Nigerians, aged between 16 and 26, to India for sexual exploitation and potential organ harvesting.

In a remarkable rescue effort, two female victims, aged 16 and 22, were saved from the clutches of the syndicate just moments before they were to be transported to the Indian Embassy. The victims shared harrowing accounts of being deceived and coerced by the traffickers. They revealed that they had been forced to swear an oath of allegiance at two separate shrines located in Delta and Imo states, respectively.

One of the victims bravely disclosed that her close friend, who had already been trafficked to India, was subjected to unimaginable cruelty, being forced into engaging in sexual acts with a minimum of 10 men each day. The rescue by NAPTIP operatives provided a lifeline for the victim, who had been tormented by her friend’s suffering.

While the hunt for the main operator, known as “Madam,” in India continues, NAPTIP has made significant progress in their investigation. At the time of arrest, the two suspects operated a mobile tour company and were found in possession of 28 passports of different nationalities, including Ghana, Republic of Benin, and Niger Republic. Laptops, phones, and other related equipment used in the commission of the crimes were also seized and are currently undergoing forensic examination.

During the operation, NAPTIP uncovered 10 letterheads belonging to various companies, further suggesting the syndicate’s involvement in a complex network of illicit activities. The agency has issued a red alert to a hotel that had been housing the victims, as it was discovered that payments were being remotely made on their behalf.

Forensic examination of the recovered materials is expected to yield crucial evidence for the ongoing investigation and eventual prosecution of the suspects. NAPTIP remains committed to dismantling human trafficking networks and protecting the vulnerable from these atrocious crimes. Updates on the case will be provided as the investigation progresses.

If you suspect any form of human trafficking, please report it to NAPTIP through their hotline: 07030000203.