Dare Babalola
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued 15 individuals, including several foreign nationals, following the dismantling of a suspected human trafficking network allegedly posing as an online marketing business in Nasarawa State.
The agency said the operation was carried out in Keffi and Karu Local Government Areas after intelligence reports exposed suspicious activities tied to fraudulent online recruitment schemes.
In a statement released on Wednesday through X, NAPTIP disclosed that the raid was executed on May 7, 2026, by officers from its Investigation Department in collaboration with the Intelligence and International Cooperation Unit.
According to the agency, those rescued included four women and 11 men. Among the male victims, three were identified as Nigerians, while the remaining persons were foreign nationals.
NAPTIP stated that preliminary findings showed the suspects allegedly used the cover of an online marketing company to lure unsuspecting people and keep them in circumstances believed to be linked to human trafficking, cyber exploitation, and other organised criminal activities.
The agency described the incident as both a humanitarian and security concern, noting that deceptive recruitment tactics continue to expose vulnerable people to abuse and exploitation.
It added that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full scope of the syndicate’s operations and apprehend additional accomplices connected to the network.
NAPTIP reaffirmed its resolve to intensify efforts against human trafficking across the country and urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious recruitment offers, movements, or activities in their communities to security agencies.
