The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has launched a major operation targeting an international trafficking syndicate. The operation led to the arrest of two high-profile suspects, believed to be key players in a trans-border trafficking ring operating across West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea. The crackdown, which took place in Abuja, represents a strong blow to human trafficking networks operating both in Nigeria and across its borders.
The operation, confirmed by NAPTIP’s Press Officer, Mr. Vincent Adekoye, was prompted by revelations from victims who had been stranded in Côte d’Ivoire. These victims identified the suspects, aged 33 and 30, who are accused of playing pivotal roles in luring individuals into forced labor and sexual exploitation in several countries.
According to Adekoye, the victims, in their distress, spoke out about their experiences to human rights activist and social media influencer, Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). The victims described how they had been coerced into trafficking schemes under false promises of employment. It was through these conversations that the identities of the suspects were revealed, prompting VDM to take swift action. On April 10, VDM visited NAPTIP’s headquarters in Abuja to formally report the matter, offering to support the agency in its efforts to rescue the victims and raise public awareness about human trafficking.
VDM, known for his advocacy on human rights issues, played a pivotal role in bringing attention to the case. After reporting the incident, he shared a viral video online, which exposed the trafficking syndicate’s activities and the threats the victims faced. In the video, the suspects were seen threatening the victims with violence, urging them to comply with prostitution demands or face dire consequences.
The operation to apprehend the suspects was carried out at a mansion located in the Lugbe area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. According to NAPTIP, the mansion served as both the residence and operational base for the syndicate. The building was equipped with sophisticated security devices, which made the operation challenging for NAPTIP operatives. Despite the security measures in place, NAPTIP’s swift action led to the successful arrest of the two suspects.
During the raid, NAPTIP also rescued two victims who had been trafficked by the syndicate. Preliminary investigations revealed that these individuals were subjected to severe exploitation, including prolonged sexual abuse and coerced oaths of secrecy. One of the victims shared her harrowing experience, explaining how she was lured from an Eastern state in Nigeria with promises of a well-paying job in a mall in Côte d’Ivoire. She was told that she would be paid in foreign currency and that she owed 2.2 million CFA francs, a debt she was forced to repay through prostitution.
“I was promised a job and paid in foreign currency, but they forced me to take an oath. We traveled for hours outside Abuja to a shrine, where they made me swear that I would keep everything secret,” the victim recalled, visibly shaken. Her testimony has helped NAPTIP piece together more information about how the trafficking operation functioned and the deceptive tactics used to trap victims.
The arrest of the two suspects is part of NAPTIP’s broader strategy to tackle human trafficking across Nigeria and the wider West African region. The agency’s Director-General, Hajia Binta Adamu-Bello, expressed her determination to dismantle the syndicates that continue to exploit vulnerable individuals. She noted that the agency’s swift response to the VDM’s report showed the level of commitment NAPTIP has towards tackling trafficking in persons.
“We will make it extremely difficult for traffickers to operate in Nigeria. The arrest of these two suspects is part of our strategic crackdown on trans-border trafficking syndicates operating in the West African region,” Adamu-Bello said in her statement. She added that discussions with both state and non-state actors in neighboring countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, were ongoing to facilitate the rescue of other victims stranded in the region.
The director-general also praised the support of VDM, acknowledging that his involvement had been crucial in bringing the issue to light. “He has shown a deep commitment to the welfare of fellow Nigerians, and his actions have greatly aided our efforts,” she said. NAPTIP has assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway, with plans to prosecute all suspects and their accomplices.
Human trafficking continues to be a significant challenge in Nigeria, where many vulnerable individuals—especially women and children—are trafficked for forced labor, sexual exploitation, and other illegal activities. The West African sub-region, including Nigeria, is a major source and transit point for trafficking victims, who are often deceived with false promises of better opportunities abroad.
NAPTIP has been at the forefront of combating human trafficking in Nigeria, working to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute offenders. However, the growing scope of trafficking operations means that the agency faces constant challenges in combating this crime.
The involvement of social media influencers and human rights activists, such as VDM, has played an increasingly important role in raising awareness and rallying public support for anti-trafficking efforts. By using their platforms to expose trafficking activities and advocate for the rights of victims, they have become valuable partners in the fight against human exploitation.
While NAPTIP’s efforts to tackle human trafficking have yielded some success, much work remains to be done to educate the public about the dangers of trafficking and how to prevent it. The agency has continued to raise awareness through its social media channels, community outreach programs, and partnerships with non-governmental organizations.
NAPTIP also provides support to victims of trafficking, offering them rehabilitation, counseling, and assistance in reintegrating into society. The agency’s goal is not only to apprehend traffickers but also to ensure that survivors of trafficking are given the tools they need to rebuild their lives.
