NAPTIP Dismantles Human Trafficking Rings in Katsina, Rescues Young Women
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has uncovered and dismantled two human trafficking syndicates operating across state lines, following a successful operation in Katsina State.
According to a statement released by NAPTIP’s Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, operatives arrested three suspects believed to be part of a network that recruits and transports young women from across Nigeria to Northern states for sexual exploitation. The operation, carried out in a well-known hotel in Katsina (name withheld), led to the rescue of three young women, aged between 21 and 26, two of whom are from Benue State and one from Rivers State.
The hotel’s manager and two employees were also arrested for their alleged involvement in the trafficking scheme.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were key players in the supply of victims to various brothels and illegal sex trade centers in Nigeria and neighboring countries. The victims were found confined in a small room within the hotel premises, while the traffickers occupied a separate, fully furnished room, reportedly enjoying the profits from the victims’ exploitation.
The victims told NAPTIP officers they had been lured with promises of well-paying jobs, only to be coerced into prostitution upon arrival in Katsina. One of the victims recounted the harrowing ordeal:
“A woman brought us here, promising good jobs. When I asked about the job, she said I’d find out once I got here. But once we arrived, we were forced into prostitution. We are made to sleep with at least 20 men daily, even when we are on our periods or feeling unwell. They force energy drinks on us every night just so we can keep going. All the money goes to the chairlady, Amarachi. We feed ourselves with nothing left.”
Through tears, the victim further revealed that the traffickers employed men to monitor them and prevent escape attempts. She thanked NAPTIP for intervening and giving them a chance at freedom.
The Director General of NAPTIP, Dr. Fatima Waziri-Azi, expressed deep concern over the role of some hotels and establishments in enabling human trafficking. She emphasized that the hotel involved in the Katsina operation would face legal consequences under Nigeria’s anti-trafficking laws.
“This is heartbreaking. These young women were tricked, trafficked, and subjected to unspeakable abuse. Meanwhile, their traffickers lived comfortably nearby, feeding off their suffering,” the DG said.
She also reaffirmed NAPTIP’s commitment to cracking down on human trafficking networks, adding that a legal process has already begun to determine punitive action against the hotel.
NAPTIP’s recent efforts come as part of a broader directive from the agency’s leadership, urging increased surveillance on hotels, bars, motor parks, and other hotspots nationwide in a bid to curb trafficking and protect vulnerable populations.
