The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has saved seven women who were allegedly being groomed for trafficking to Iraq after a raid on a hotel in the Sabon Gari area of Kano State.
The rescue operation was conducted by operatives of the agency’s Kano Zonal Command following credible intelligence. According to NAPTIP, the victims, aged between 21 and 24, were discovered during the raid carried out on Thursday.
NAPTIP Public Relations Officer in Kano, Mohammed Habib, confirmed that two suspects connected to the trafficking plot were arrested during the operation, while another suspect is still at large.
Preliminary investigations show that the women were recruited from the southern parts of Nigeria and moved to Kano, which was being used as a transit point before their intended transfer to Baghdad, Iraq. Authorities believe they were to be compelled into labour upon arrival.
The agency said statements from the rescued women identified a female suspect as the mastermind of the operation. She was said to have coordinated the travel arrangements with a male accomplice who is currently being sought by law enforcement.
Investigators also revealed that the travel plan allegedly required the women to repay all expenses incurred for their trip, along with extra profit, after reaching their destination.
NAPTIP said the rescued women are currently in its custody in Kano, where they are receiving care, counselling, and rehabilitation support.
The agency added that the suspects will be charged in court upon the completion of investigations.
It reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling human trafficking networks and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities related to trafficking.
