The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued 15 persons, including foreign nationals, from a suspected human trafficking syndicate allegedly operating under the cover of an online marketing company in Nasarawa State.
The agency said the victims were rescued during a coordinated operation carried out in Keffi and Karu Local Government Areas following credible intelligence on suspicious activities linked to fraudulent online marketing operations.
NAPTIP disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday through its official X handle, revealing that the raid was conducted on May 7, 2026, by officers from its Investigation Department and the Intelligence and International Cooperation Unit.
According to the agency, preliminary investigations showed that the victims included four females and 11 males.
“Among the male victims, three were identified as Nigerians, while others are foreign nationals,” the statement said.
The agency explained that early findings suggested that the suspects used the name of an online marketing company to recruit unsuspecting persons and keep them in conditions believed to be connected to human trafficking, cyber-related exploitation and other organised criminal activities.
Officials said the discovery raised serious security and humanitarian concerns because of the deceptive methods allegedly used to lure victims.
Investigators believe many of the victims may have been promised lucrative jobs, business opportunities or online marketing work before they were allegedly trapped and exploited by the syndicate.
Although NAPTIP did not disclose the identities or nationalities of the foreign victims, the agency noted that investigations were ongoing to uncover the full scale of the operation and arrest other members of the network.
The agency also assured the public that efforts were being intensified to dismantle trafficking syndicates operating across the country.
Human trafficking has remained a growing concern in Nigeria, with traffickers increasingly adopting new methods to deceive victims, especially young people searching for employment opportunities.
In recent years, security agencies have warned about criminal groups disguising themselves as digital businesses, online investment firms, travel agencies and marketing companies to recruit victims for forced labour, cybercrime and sexual exploitation.
Keffi and Karu, both located in Nasarawa State, have become major urban centres because of their closeness to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The areas attract large numbers of job seekers and migrants, making them vulnerable to criminal networks that prey on desperate individuals.
Cybercrime-related trafficking has also become an emerging trend in parts of West Africa, where victims are sometimes forced to engage in online scams, fraudulent investment schemes or other internet-related crimes under threats and harsh conditions.
NAPTIP described the latest discovery as part of its ongoing crackdown on trafficking and organised exploitation across the country.
The agency said its officers acted on intelligence reports indicating suspicious movement of persons and unusual activities linked to the suspected online company.
Following the operation, the rescued victims were reportedly taken into protective custody, where they are expected to receive medical attention, counselling and further support while investigations continue.
The agency did not state whether any arrests were made during the raid, but it confirmed that efforts were ongoing to track down other collaborators connected to the syndicate.
NAPTIP further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious recruitment activities, movements of persons and fake job offers to law enforcement agencies.
According to the agency, community cooperation remains vital in the fight against human trafficking and organised crime.
Since its establishment in 2003, NAPTIP has been leading Nigeria’s fight against human trafficking, child exploitation and related offences. The agency has carried out several rescue operations across the country and has secured convictions against traffickers involved in illegal recruitment, forced labour and sexual exploitation.
However, stakeholders say traffickers continue to adapt their methods, especially through social media and online platforms where fake job advertisements and travel opportunities are commonly used to target vulnerable people.
Anti-trafficking advocates have therefore called for stronger public awareness campaigns, improved border monitoring and closer collaboration among security agencies to tackle the growing threat.
The latest operation in Nasarawa is expected to deepen concerns over the activities of criminal groups using technology and fake businesses as fronts for trafficking and exploitation.