The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Kano has taken custody of 12 female victims of human trafficking, aged between 15 and 50, who were rescued while being transported for suspected labour exploitation abroad.
The Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Abdullahi Babale, confirmed the rescue on Monday in Kano when the victims were handed over by the Kano State Hisbah Board, which conducted the operation in partnership with the agency. He said the intervention followed ongoing efforts to curb human trafficking in the region.
Babale explained that the 12 women were intercepted on Sunday at Karota Luxurious Park, located along Hotoro Western Bye-Pass, while they were being transported to Ghana and later Saudi Arabia, where they were expected to face labour exploitation.
The Punch reported that “Babale disclosed that the victims, who hailed from Kano, Katsina, Borno, Jigawa, and Zamfara states, were being trafficked under the guise of seeking better job opportunities abroad.”
According to the report, one suspect, identified as Mohammed Saleh, 45, was arrested in connection with the case.
Babale said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other key suspects involved in the trafficking network.
“The rescue and arrest are in line with the directive of the NAPTIP Director-General, Hajiya Binta Adamu-Bello, to intensify intelligence gathering and crack down on suspected traffickers operating within Nigeria,” Babale stated.
He commended the Commander-General of the Kano Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, and the Kano State Government for their continued collaboration in the fight against human trafficking and the protection of vulnerable citizens.
Babale “assured the public that the victims would undergo counselling and rehabilitation before being reunited with their families, in line with NAPTIP’s victim-centred approach.”
He further appealed to parents to exercise greater caution in protecting their children from traffickers who take advantage of economic challenges and entice victims with deceptive promises of better opportunities overseas.
The NAPTIP commander also encouraged community members to remain alert and report any suspicious movements or activities linked to human trafficking, stressing the need for collective vigilance in tackling the crime.
