The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued seven women who were allegedly being prepared for trafficking to Iraq, following a raid by its operatives on a hotel in the Sabon Gari area of Kano State.
The agency stated that the operation was carried out based on credible intelligence received by its Kano Zonal Command, which led to the rescue of the women, aged between 21 and 24.
NAPTIP’s Public Relations Officer in Kano, Mohammed Habib, said the raid took place on Thursday. Two suspects believed to be involved in the trafficking scheme were arrested during the operation.
He added that preliminary investigations revealed that the women were recruited from southern Nigeria, with Kano used as a transit point before they were to be moved to Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, where they were to be forced into work.
According to the agency, the rescued women disclosed that a female suspect, identified as the ringleader, arranged their travel in collaboration with a male accomplice who is currently at large and being sought by authorities.
The travel arrangement allegedly included a condition requiring the women to repay all expenses incurred on their behalf, along with additional profit, after arriving in the destination country.
NAPTIP stated that the rescued women are currently in its custody in Kano, where they are receiving care, counseling, and rehabilitation support.
The agency further noted that once investigations are concluded, the suspects will be charged to court.
NAPTIP reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling human trafficking networks and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that may indicate human trafficking.
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