NAPTIP rescues 25 trafficked women enroute to Saudi Arabia
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has rescued 25 women suspected of being victims of human trafficking for labor exploitation on their way to Saudi Arabia.
The operation, a part of a renewed crackdown on human trafficking, has also led to a manhunt for a popular travel agency believed to be a central player in the trafficking network.
A communiqué by the Press Officer, NAPTIP, Mr. Vincent Adekoye, said the victims, who range in ages from 17 to 43, were apprehended in front of a hotel in the Wuse II area of Abuja, where they were reportedly waiting for their trafficker.
Recall NAPTIP’s Director-General, Binta Bello, recently issued a directive to officers to intensify surveillance on suspected ‘black spots’ in major Nigerian cities.
During investigation, one of the rescued victims explained to NAPTIP officers that, “Some people came to our village and told my parents that they would assist me to travel abroad to work as a house help in Saudi Arabia.
“They assured us that the job there will pay us very well, and we will be able to come and take care of our parents and families.”
The woman expressed concern as they had not received any travel documents like international passports or visas, and their promised contacts had not shown up.
Many of the victims told the officials that they were in Abuja for the first time and were stranded.
Reacting to the development, NAPTIP’s DG warned members of the public against traffickers, noting that Abuja is increasingly being used as a central hub for trafficking activities.
“I wish to alert our partners and stakeholders to the new modus operandi of a human trafficking syndicate that uses the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a muster point for their nefarious activities,” she said.
Bello noted that this recent interception is part of a recurring pattern, with similar rescues having occurred at hotels near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
She added: “The sad aspect of the whole thing is that they excitedly jumped at the offer from the traffickers without knowing the harrowing experience and the level of exploitation that awaits them.”
Bello confirmed that the agency is closing in on the travel agency linked to the case and called on regulatory bodies to hold their members accountable.
“The mindless exploitation of victims of human trafficking in those destination countries remains a source of serious concern to NAPTIP, so this scenario must stop,” she added.
(GUARDIAN)
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