A joint operation by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has led to the arrest of three individuals suspected of being members of an organised criminal network operating in Nigeria.

The operation, conducted in the Federal Capital Territory, Osun and Nasarawa states, also resulted in the rescue of 20 victims trafficked from Equatorial Guinea and Togo for labor exploitation.

Following a directive from NAPTIP’s Director General, Binta Bello, the agency intensified surveillance in border communities to counter the activities of criminal syndicates infiltrating Nigeria.

In a statement, the Press Officer, NAPTIP, Vincent Adekoye, said that the agency enhanced its collaboration with law enforcement agencies to address the issues.

According to the Adekoye, the rescued victims reported being deceived by the syndicate with promises of well-paying jobs in Nigeria, only to be exploited upon arrival.

In a separate incident, NAPTIP, in conjunction with the Nigerian Embassy in Senegal, rescued a middle-aged Nigerian victim of trafficking from Dakar.

The victim, who traveled to Senegal under pretense of securing a job as a hairstylist, was forced into prostitution by her trafficker.

NAPTIP DG praised the successful operations as evidence of effective collaboration between the agency and other law enforcement agencies. She emphasised the ongoing commitment to combatting transnational organised crime and ensuring the safety of potential victims.

The DG said, “A manhunt for the trafficker, known as ‘Madam Rose,’ has been initiated, and NAPTIP is working with Senegalese authorities to apprehend her.”

The DG acknowledged the support from the Nigerian Embassy in Dakar and highlighted the trauma faced by the rescued victim, who is now back in Nigeria. (The Guardian)