The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has uncovered a suspected human trafficking syndicate allegedly operated by foreign nationals in Keffi and Karu Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State.
The agency disclosed that the discovery was made during a joint operation carried out by officers from its Investigation Department and the Intelligence and International Cooperation Unit (IICU) on May 7 between 4:45 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
According to NAPTIP, the operation followed credible intelligence reports on suspicious activities linked to fraudulent online marketing operations within the state.
In a statement issued after the raid, the agency said a total of 15 persons were found at the location, including four female victims and 11 male victims.
“Among the male victims, three were identified as Nigerians, while the others are foreign nationals,” the statement said.
NAPTIP revealed that preliminary findings showed the suspects allegedly operated under the cover of an online marketing company to recruit and harbour unsuspecting persons.
“Findings indicate that the suspects allegedly operated under the guise of an online marketing company to recruit and harbor unsuspecting persons in conditions suspected to be connected to human trafficking, cyber-related exploitation, and other organized criminal activities,” the agency stated.
The anti-trafficking agency described the development as an emerging criminal trend and warned that it poses serious security and humanitarian risks.
“This is an emerging trend and a serious security and humanitarian concern due to the deceptive recruitment methods employed by the traffickers and the vulnerability of victims to exploitation,” NAPTIP added.
The agency further disclosed that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full scope of the suspected trafficking network and arrest other collaborators linked to the operation.
