The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, has announced the arrest of five suspected human traffickers and the rescue of 24 victims in a high-profile operation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by NAPTIP’s National Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, the agency revealed that the arrests were part of an intelligence-led special operation targeting trafficking hotspots, routes, and recruitment hubs.
Among those arrested was a retired senior officer from a major law enforcement agency, alleged to be a key member of a trafficking syndicate operating in the South West region.
The victims, aged 15 to 26, were reportedly recruited from Kano, Katsina, Oyo, Ondo, and Rivers States. They were en route to countries including Iraq, Sudan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Afghanistan, where they were expected to face various forms of exploitation. Many of the victims had limited education and language skills, and some were unaware of their actual destination.
One of the victims recounted how her father — now one of the suspects in custody — had misled her. “He told me I was going to work at a supermarket in Baghdad,” she said, “but didn’t tell me Baghdad is in Iraq. I know Iraq is dangerous. I thank the DG and her officers for rescuing me. I want to go back home and start again. I will make it here, rather than suffer abroad.”
The agency described the raid as the result of a tip-off from concerned partners and stakeholders who flagged suspicious activity at the airport. The six-hour operation successfully disrupted what NAPTIP called an active human trafficking attempt.
“This operation is part of our intensified efforts to stamp out trafficking at key exit points,” said DG Bello. “I am deeply disturbed that a father — a retired senior law enforcement officer — would deceive his own daughter into being trafficked. It’s both tragic and unacceptable.”
She confirmed that the suspects are under investigation and will face prosecution.
Bello noted that NAPTIP had earlier launched a renewed crackdown on human trafficking across the country, with increased surveillance of motor parks, coastal waterways, and international airports following a spike in reported cases.
“We are seeing disturbing patterns of recruitment into dangerous conflict zones, particularly in the Middle East,” she said. “The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is becoming a key transit point for traffickers, and we’re shifting our focus accordingly. These raids will continue until this illicit trade is stamped out.”
The DG also expressed appreciation to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), DSS operatives, Immigration officers, airport security personnel, and airline operators for their support in the successful operation.
“Human trafficking is a serious national concern. Our resolve to protect Nigerians from all forms of exploitation is unwavering,” she added.
