7 Ladies Who Fell Victim to Human Trafficking, Rescued in Popular Abuja Hotel

  • The agency acted on a tip-off, uncovering a scheme to traffic young women to Iraq under false employment promises
  • Authorities suspect the hotel served as a gathering point where victims were coached to evade detection before departure
  • The agency intensifies efforts to dismantle syndicates, warning that service providers aiding traffickers will face legal consequences

FCT, Abuja – The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has successfully rescued seven young women suspected to be victims of human trafficking in a popular hotel in Zamaru, near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

According to NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, the operation followed a tip-off about suspicious activities at the hotel, which had been under surveillance due to reports of young women being transported in and out under unclear circumstances.

7 Ladies Who Fell Victim to Human Trafficking, Rescued in Popular Abuja Hotel7 Ladies Who Fell Victim to Human Trafficking, Rescued in Popular Abuja HotelSource: Twitter

The victims were allegedly being prepared for trafficking to Baghdad, Iraq, under the guise of employment opportunities.

Hotel manager arrested as investigation intensifies

The raid also led to the arrest of the hotel manager, who is currently being interrogated for allegedly providing a safe house for the traffickers.

Authorities suspect that the hotel served as a muster point where the victims were briefed on how to evade detection before being transported out of the country.

Adekoye confirmed the arrests, stating,

“The victims were lured with false promises of well-paying caregiving jobs in Iraq but later realized they were being trafficked. The hotel management has serious questions to answer regarding its role in this illegal operation.”

Victims speak out on their ordeal

Preliminary investigations revealed that six of the rescued women were recruited from Lagos, while one came from Delta State.

One of the victims, speaking tearfully about her ordeal, said she was misled into believing she was traveling for legitimate work.

“They told me that I would do a househelp job in Baghdad and I would receive a good salary every month. I believed them because I know Baghdad is in another country. Dem no tell me say I dey go work for Iraq,” she recounted.

NAPTIP DG condemns Rising Cases of Trafficking

Reacting to the rescue operation, NAPTIP Director-General Binta Bello expressed concern over the increasing involvement of service providers, such as hotels, in human trafficking activities.

“It is sad the way some service providers aid and abet the recruitment, transportation, transfer, and harbouring of Nigerians who are victims of human trafficking,” Bello said.

She warned that NAPTIP would invoke the full force of the law to prosecute individuals or businesses found complicit in trafficking operations.

“The victims were being briefed on how to evade arrest and respond to questioning at the airport. This is a serious crime, and those involved will face the consequences,” Bello stated.

NAPTIP Intensifies Hunt for Trafficking Syndicates

The agency has pledged to continue its crackdown on trafficking syndicates operating within and beyond Nigeria. Adekoye confirmed that efforts were underway to track down other members of the network who are believed to have international links, particularly in Iraq.

“The manager of the hotel is being quizzed, and we have also intensified the manhunt for other members of the trafficking gang working in collaboration with criminal elements in Iraq,” he said.

NAPTIP has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to help combat human trafficking, which remains a pressing concern in the country.

Source: TheTalk.NG


Who Is Bisola Ajimobi? 6 Interesting Facts About the Late Governor’s Daughter
The eldest daughter of late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Abisola Kola-Daisi, has died after a brief illness, just five years after her father’s passing A successful entrepreneur and fashion enthusiast, Bisola founded Florence H Luxury and was actively involved in philanthropic efforts to support vulnerable children As the eldest daughter of a political icon, Bisola was ... Read more Continue reading here ▶


“You Are Antichrist If You Say Holy Ghost Fire in Prayers,” Influential Catholic Priest Declares
Rev. Fr. Chinenye John Oluoma of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja has asserted that praying ‘Holy Ghost fire’ against enemies is a sign of having the spirit of the antichrist The cleric also emphasised that deliverance is performed in the name of Jesus Christ and not by mentioning the “Holy Ghost fire” The cleric who ... Read more Continue reading here ▶


Tinubu at 73: Presidency Discloses How Nigerian President Will Mark Birthday
President Tinubu will hold a special prayer session at the National Mosque in Abuja, seeking divine guidance for Nigeria Tinubu invites Nigerians to join in spirit, emphasizing the power of collective prayer for progress and harmony As his administration nears its second anniversary, Tinubu reaffirms his focus on economic reforms, national security, and democratic progress ... Read more Continue reading here ▶


Why Adamawa Deserves More Police Institutions, Governor Fintiri Tells IGP Egbetokun
Adamawa state governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has urged IGP Kayode Egbetokun to establish police institutions in the state, including a Police Mobile Base During the IGP’s visit to Yola, Governor Fintiri assured continued government support for police operations Reacting, the IGP reaffirmed his commitment to police capacity building, modern training, and community engagement to enhance ... Read more Continue reading here ▶


Nigerian Caught with $578,000 at the Airport Gets 6 Months Imprisonment
Okorie Sylvernus Sunday was sentenced to six months imprisonment after being convicted of money laundering by the Federal High Court, Ikoyi He was arrested at Murtala Muhammed International Airport with $578,000, part of which was concealed in a cream pack and included counterfeit currency His guilty plea to two charges concluded the case, showcasing the ... Read more Continue reading here ▶


Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button

Adblock Detected

Adblock Detected, Please disable your adblock to continue browsing this website