1. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arrested four suspected human traffickers and rescued 17 alleged victims during a sting operation at a hotel in Onitsha, Anambra State.

In a statement issued on Monday, Vincent Adekoye, Head of Press and Public Relations of the agency, said the operation was carried out in collaboration with the military. He disclosed that two of the suspects were allegedly involved in baby trafficking and other related crimes within the South-East region.

Adekoye explained that the operation was triggered by credible intelligence from a non-state actor in Anambra State, who raised concerns about the presence of underage girls at the hotel and their health conditions. Prior to the raid, voluntary health screening and counselling had been conducted on the victims.

According to preliminary investigations, residents of the area had earlier expressed concerns over suspicious activities at the hotel, which has about 45 rooms and reportedly experienced a steady influx of men patronising underage girls. Some of the victims were reportedly caught with customers during the operation, while others were found scantily dressed and waiting for clients.

During interrogation, the victims revealed they were recruited from Benue, Imo, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom states and trafficked to Onitsha for alleged prostitution. They said they were compelled to remit between ₦20,000 and ₦25,000 daily to their handlers, often by engaging with multiple men each day.

One of the victims narrated that she was deceived by her boyfriend with the promise of a job in Onitsha, only to be introduced to prostitution upon arrival. She said refusal was no longer an option after being trapped in the arrangement.

Another victim disclosed that officials of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) had tested them and discovered that some were HIV-positive. However, she alleged that their handler seized the antiretroviral drugs given to them and assaulted them for cooperating with health officials.

NAPTIP confirmed that four of the rescued victims tested positive for HIV and are currently receiving counselling and medical support from the agency and ANSACA volunteers.

Reacting to the development, NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, expressed deep concern over the victims’ ordeal and health condition. She described the confiscation of life-saving drugs and denial of medical care as a criminal act, adding that a manhunt had been launched for the fleeing suspect identified as the victims’ “Madam.”

She also disclosed that the owner of the hotel has been invited for questioning as investigations continue, stressing that NAPTIP remains committed to intensifying efforts to combat human trafficking across the country.