The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued 17 victims of human trafficking and arrested four suspects during a raid on a popular hotel in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The operation was carried out on Monday with the support of security personnel, including the military. The hotel, located in the 33 area of the busy commercial city, was reportedly being used as a base for sexual exploitation and other trafficking-related activities.
NAPTIP also confirmed the arrest of two additional suspects who are believed to be involved in baby trafficking across states in the South-East. Investigations into their activities are currently ongoing.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Mr Vincent Adekoye. The statement was titled, “NAPTIP stings human traffickers in Anambra: raids popular hotel in Onitsha, arrests four suspects, rescues 17 victims.”
According to the agency, the raid followed credible intelligence received from a non-state actor. The information indicated that several underage girls were being kept in the hotel and forced into prostitution, while their health conditions were said to be deteriorating.
Preliminary findings also showed that residents of the area had, over time, raised concerns about suspicious activities at the hotel. The facility, which has about 45 rooms, reportedly witnessed a steady flow of men at all hours, with allegations that underage girls were being used to service customers.
During the raid, NAPTIP officials said they found some of the victims with customers inside hotel rooms. Others were reportedly dressed in revealing outfits and waiting for clients. The victims were immediately removed from the premises and taken to safety.
NAPTIP revealed that four of the rescued victims tested positive for HIV. The agency said they are now receiving counselling, medical care, and emotional support from NAPTIP caregivers, with help from volunteers of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency.
The agency described the condition of some of the victims as troubling, noting that many of them had been denied access to proper healthcare while in captivity.
During interrogation, the victims narrated how they were recruited from different states and trafficked to Anambra. They said they came from Benue, Imo, Ebonyi, and Akwa Ibom states.
According to them, they were deceived with promises of jobs and a better life. Upon arrival in Onitsha, they were allegedly handed over to a woman popularly referred to as “Madam,” who forced them into prostitution.
The victims told NAPTIP officials that they were required to pay between ₦20,000 and ₦25,000 daily to their handler. This amount, they said, was expected to be raised through sexual activities with multiple clients each day.
One of the victims explained how she was lured into the situation by someone she trusted.
“My boyfriend told me there was a job for me in Onitsha,” she said. “When I arrived, the Madam sent someone to pick me at the park and introduced me to this hustling job. She said I would pay her ₦20,000 daily and that after one year she would give me a box of clothes and ₦500,000 so I could start my own business.
“It is not with a good mind that I am doing this job, but it was too late for me to refuse.”
Another victim, whose HIV status was described by the agency as compromised, made a disturbing allegation about how her health was handled.
“When they tested us and told me I was infected, they gave us drugs,” she said. “But after they left, our Madam beat us because we came out to see them. She seized the medicine and warned us never to go for treatment again.”
NAPTIP said such actions put the lives of the victims at serious risk and amount to serious criminal offences under Nigerian law.
Reacting to the operation, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Mrs Binta Adamu-Bello, expressed deep concern over the physical and emotional state of the rescued victims. She strongly condemned the actions of the suspected handler and described the confiscation of antiretroviral drugs as inhuman and criminal.
“I want to sincerely thank the military in Onitsha and the Gender and Human Rights State Response Team under the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency for their timely support and collaboration during this operation,” Adamu-Bello said.
“I am devastated by the health status of the rescued victims and the action of their so-called Madam, who confiscated their antiretroviral medicines and prevented them from accessing medical care. This is a criminal act, and we have launched a manhunt for her.”
She added that the owner of the hotel where the victims were found has been invited for questioning. According to her, the agency will determine whether the hotel management was aware of the illegal activities and what sanctions should be applied.
Human trafficking remains a major problem in Nigeria, with women and children being the most affected. Victims are often trafficked for sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude, and baby selling.
NAPTIP, established in 2003, is the government agency responsible for preventing trafficking in persons, rescuing victims, and prosecuting offenders. Over the years, the agency has carried out several raids across the country, rescued thousands of victims, and secured convictions against traffickers.
Adamu-Bello reaffirmed NAPTIP’s commitment to intensifying its fight against trafficking networks across Nigeria. She warned that traffickers would face tougher enforcement measures and legal consequences.
The NAPTIP boss recently declared that the agency intends to make the year 2026 “unpleasant” for human traffickers who refuse to abandon the illegal trade. She said the agency is strengthening partnerships with security agencies, civil society groups, and state governments to dismantle trafficking rings.
She also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities in their communities, stressing that timely information can help save lives.
As investigations continue, the rescued victims are expected to undergo rehabilitation, counselling, and reintegration programmes designed to help them rebuild their lives.