The Edo State Police and Migration Agency have successfully rescued two teenage girls from a human trafficking attempt that was headed for Libya. The victims, aged 13 and 14, were brought back safely after being intercepted in Kaduna State.
One of the girls is living with sickle cell disease, making her rescue especially urgent. The girls had started their journey from Edo State on Sunday and had reached Zaria, Kaduna State, before their trafficker ordered them to return home following the arrest of his mother, Mrs. Comfort Etim, who was taken into police custody.
The rescue operation was completed on Wednesday night, and the girls were safely handed over to the Edo State Migration Agency, where they spoke to officials about their ordeal.
The girls revealed that they were lured with false promises of employment as domestic workers for an elderly couple in Italy. The trafficker reportedly instructed them not to inform their parents about the arrangement, misleading them into believing they had a legitimate job opportunity abroad.
According to the victims, the trafficker placed them on a bus at Aduwawa Motor Park in Benin City with instructions to call a contact person upon arriving in Kano. One of the girls, identified as Success, recalled being given food and disguises to help avoid detection during the journey.
“I felt relieved when I was rescued and returned home. I thought I was going to work for an old couple in Italy, but I now know it was a trick,” she said.
Her companion, who has sickle cell disease, explained that she initially believed the trip was a chance to surprise her mother by traveling abroad. “I was hopeful and scared at the same time,” she said.
The Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Lucky Agazumah, confirmed the rescue and promised strict action against those involved. He revealed that the transport company used to move the girls will face sanctions for facilitating the illegal journey.
Agazumah also disclosed that several other suspects linked to the trafficking network have already been arrested. “We are working closely with the police and other security agencies to ensure that all those involved in this criminal business are brought to justice,” he said.
Human trafficking remains a serious problem in Nigeria, particularly affecting vulnerable young girls from southern states such as Edo, Delta, and Ondo. Many are deceived by traffickers with false promises of overseas jobs, education, or marriage, only to end up in slavery, forced labor, or worse in foreign countries.
Libya, a common destination for trafficked Nigerians, has become notorious for abuse and exploitation of migrants trying to reach Europe. Nigerian authorities have increased efforts to curb trafficking through public awareness campaigns, stricter border controls, and cooperation with international partners.
The recent rescue in Edo is part of a wider crackdown on trafficking networks that prey on young people seeking better opportunities abroad. Authorities urge parents and guardians to educate their children about the dangers of illegal migration and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
The quick action by Edo police and migration officials in rescuing the girls highlights the importance of vigilance and cooperation in fighting human trafficking and protecting vulnerable youths in Nigeria.
