The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued 17 victims of human trafficking and arrested four suspects during a raid on a popular hotel in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The operation, carried out on Monday with military support at a hotel located in the 33 area of the commercial city, also led to the arrest of two additional suspects allegedly linked to interstate baby trafficking in the South-East.
NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the raid followed credible intelligence from a non-state actor about the presence of underage girls at the facility and concerns over their deteriorating health conditions.
According to Adekoye, preliminary investigations revealed that residents had long complained about suspicious activities at the 45-room hotel, including the frequent influx of men allegedly patronising underage girls.
During the operation, some victims were found with customers, while others were reportedly waiting for clients.
He added that four of the rescued victims tested positive for HIV and are currently receiving counselling and medical support from NAPTIP caregivers and volunteers of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency.
Under interrogation, the victims said they were recruited from Benue, Imo, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom states and trafficked to Onitsha for prostitution.
They alleged they were required to remit between N20,000 and N25,000 daily to their handler, popularly referred to as “Madam,” after engaging multiple clients.
One of the victims said she was lured to Onitsha by her boyfriend with the promise of a job, only to be forced into prostitution on arrival.
Another victim alleged that their handler confiscated antiretroviral drugs provided by health workers and prevented them from accessing medical care.
Reacting, NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu-Bello, expressed deep concern over the victims’ health and condemned the actions of the alleged handler.
She thanked the military in Onitsha and the Gender and Human Rights State Response Team under the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency for their support, adding that a manhunt had been launched for the fleeing handler.
Adamu-Bello also disclosed that the hotel owner had been invited for questioning to determine possible sanctions, reaffirming NAPTIP’s commitment to dismantling trafficking networks nationwide and warning that traffickers would face tougher enforcement measures going forward.