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By Sunny A. David, Awka
Operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have rescued 17 suspected victims of human trafficking and apprehended four suspects during an operation at a popular hotel in the 3-3 area of Onitsha, Anambra State.
The operation, which was carried out with support from the military, also led to the arrest of two additional suspects allegedly involved in the buying and selling of babies across States in the South-East.
In a statement issued, by the Head of NAPTIP’s Press and Public Relations Unit, Vincent Adekoye, disclosed that four of the rescued victims tested positive for HIV. He said they are currently receiving counselling and medical care from NAPTIP caregivers, in collaboration with volunteers from the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA).
According to the statement, the raid followed credible intelligence provided by a non-state actor in Anambra State, which revealed that underage girls were being harboured in the hotel. The information also raised concerns about the health condition of the victims, leading to a voluntary health screening conducted after proper counselling.
Investigations further showed that residents of the area had previously complained about suspicious activities linked to the hotel. The facility, which reportedly has about 45 rooms, allegedly recorded a constant influx of men who patronised underage girls on a daily basis.
During the operation, some of the victims were reportedly found in compromising situations with customers, while others were scantily dressed and loitering around the premises, apparently waiting for clients.
The victims told investigators that they were recruited from Benue, Imo, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom States and trafficked to Onitsha for prostitution. They disclosed that each of them was required to remit between ₦20,000 and ₦25,000 daily to their “Madam,” often after engaging in sexual activities with as many as five men, sometimes involving multiple rounds.
One of the victims narrated her ordeal, explaining that she was deceived by her boyfriend, who claimed to have secured a job for her in Onitsha. Upon arrival, she was allegedly introduced to prostitution by the trafficker and forced to comply.
Another victim, whose health condition has reportedly deteriorated, alleged that their “Madam” confiscated antiretroviral drugs given to them by health workers and beat them for seeking medical help, warning them never to attempt medical treatment again.
Reacting to the development, NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, expressed deep concern over the condition of the victims and condemned the actions of their trafficker.
She described the confiscation of medical drugs and denial of healthcare as a criminal act, adding that NAPTIP has launched a manhunt for the suspected “Madam” and invited the hotel owner for interrogation to determine appropriate sanctions against the facility.
Bello reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to combating human trafficking, stating that NAPTIP would continue to intensify operations to ensure that traffickers and their collaborators are brought to justice.
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