NAPTIP human trafficking raid in Onitsha rescues 17 victims, arrests four suspects, and intensifies crackdown on traffickers in Anambra State

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on Monday rescued 17 victims of human trafficking and arrested four suspects during a raid on a popular hotel in the 33 area of Onitsha, Anambra State.

Also read: NAPTIP Uncovers Shocking Child Trafficking Syndicate

The operation, conducted with military support, also led to the arrest of two additional suspects allegedly involved in baby trafficking across South-East states.

NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, said four of the rescued victims tested positive for HIV and are receiving counselling and medical care from NAPTIP personnel and volunteers of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency.

The raid followed credible intelligence from a non-state actor indicating the presence of underage girls at the hotel and concerns over their deteriorating health.

Preliminary investigations revealed that residents had long reported suspicious activities at the 45-room facility, particularly frequent visits by men allegedly patronising underage girls.

During the operation, some victims were found with clients, while others, dressed in revealing outfits, were reportedly waiting for customers.

Victims stated they were recruited from Benue, Imo, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom states and trafficked to Onitsha for prostitution, remitting between 20,000 and 25,000 naira daily to their handler, referred to as “madam.”

One victim explained, “My boyfriend told me there was a job for me in Onitsha. 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 N20,000 daily and after one year she would give me a box of clothes and N500,000 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 compromised, said their handler confiscated antiretroviral medication provided by health workers. “When they tested us and told me I was infected, they gave us drugs.

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,” she said.

Reacting to the raid, NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu-Bello, condemned the alleged handler’s actions and praised the military and Anambra State AIDS Control Agency for their support.

“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,” Adamu-Bello said.

The agency has also invited the hotel owner for questioning to determine possible sanctions against the facility.

Also read: NAPTIP Deploys DNA Testing in Child Rescue Dispute

Adamu-Bello reaffirmed NAPTIP’s commitment to dismantling trafficking networks nationwide and warned that traffickers would face stricter enforcement measures in 2026.