The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 14 persons suspected to be involved in human trafficking in Rivers State.

The NSCDC State Commandant Mohammed Lawal told reporters in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital that a group of four young men and 10 young women believed to be Togolese were being transported via Port Harcourt to Oron in Akwa Ibom State.

Mr Lawal, who noted that the practice had been on for some time before the arrest, said the indiscriminate movement of persons especially foreigners has been a source of concern for security agencies.

The owner and driver of the bus reportedly conveying the victims, Damian Iheanacho, said he only provided transport service for them while the victims were looking unkempt.

Briefing journalists on the arrest, the commandant said: “What we really invited you for is to show you some persons we intercepted on their way from Togo through Port Harcourt and they were to end their journey in Oron in Akwa Ibom State.”

“What we found out is that the driver of the vehicle who is the owner of the transport company that they were travelling had been doing this for some time. Through intelligence report, we clamped down on them somewhere in Ikwerre road; investigations are still on.

“But the most important information we want to share with the public is that they should be watchful and mindful of persons that they see around, it’s important. The movement of foreigners into the country without proper documentation has been a concern to we the security agencies. Citizens should always provide us with useful information when they notice anything,” he added. (Channels TV)

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