In a major crackdown on human trafficking, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has raided a popular hotel in Onitsha’s 33 areas, arrested four suspected traffickers and rescued 17 victims, some of whom are underage girls.
The operation, carried out with support from the Nigerian Military, also led to the arrest of two individuals allegedly involved in the illegal sale and purchase of babies across the South East region. Alarmingly, four of the rescued victims tested positive for HIV and are now receiving care from NAPTIP and volunteers from the Anambra State Aids Control Agency (ANSACA).
The raid followed credible intelligence from a non-state actor indicating the presence of underage girls in the facility. Residents had previously raised concerns about the hotel, which has around 45 rooms, citing the daily influx of men seeking underage girls.
During interrogation, victims revealed they were recruited from Benue, Imo, Ebonyi, and Akwa Ibom States and trafficked to Onitsha for prostitution. Each victim reportedly remitted between N20,000 and N25,000 daily to their “Madam,” often servicing multiple clients. One victim recounted: “It was my boyfriend who said he saw a job for me here in Onitsha… It is not with a good mind that I am doing this job, but it was too late for me to refuse.” Another victim detailed abuse after being given HIV treatment by a visiting organization, stating: “Our Madam beat us seriously and took the medicine, warning us never to seek treatment again.”
NAPTIP Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, expressed deep concern over the victims’ health and condemned the criminal acts of their “Madam.” She thanked the Military and the Gender and Human Rights State Response Team (GHR-SRT) under ANSACA for their timely intervention.
“The Agency has launched a manhunt for the Madam and has invited the hotel owner for questioning to determine sanctions against the facility. NAPTIP will continue to intensify efforts against human trafficking in Nigeria,” Bello stated.
The rescue operation underscored the ongoing challenges in combating human trafficking and the Agency’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons across the country.
