NAPTIP Arrests 2 Human Traffickers, Intercepts 28 Passports, Others

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has paraded two suspected human traffickers in Abuja.

The Director General of NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing. She said the agency busted a human trafficking syndicate that specializes in moving young female Nigerians between the ages of 16-26 to India for sexual exploitation and possible organ harvesting.

Waziri-Azi revealed that NAPTIP operatives conducted a sting operation after several days of undercover activity and rescued two female victims aged 16 and 22 who were taken to the Embassy.

Both ladies recounted being lured by the syndicates who forced them to swear an oath of allegiance in two shrines located within Delta and Imo states, respectively.

One of the victims also revealed that her very close friend who was already trafficked to India was being subjected to having sex with at least ten men daily.

The DG stated that while the Agency is on the trail of the Madam in India, the two suspects, Waukomis Chidebere Chukwu and Joseph Okoi Nka who operate a mobile tour company at the time of their arrests were in possession of 28 passports of different Nationalities ranging from Ghana, Republic of Benin, Niger Republic etc.

Laptops, phones, ten letterheads from various companies as well as other equipment were also recovered from the suspects.

She stated that many young girls fall victim to these heinous crimes, and perpetrators of these acts must be brought to justice.