The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has dismantled a notorious trans-border human trafficking ring operating between Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire. The operation, which took place in Abuja, led to the arrest of two key suspects and the rescue of two victims.
The suspects, identified as Emmanuel Uzor Igwe (32) and Ugochukwu Christian (30), were apprehended at a luxury residence in Lugbe, Abuja. The property, which was fortified with high-tech security systems, served as the syndicate’s operational hub.
According to NAPTIP, the victims were lured with promises of well-paying jobs in Côte d’Ivoire, only to be trapped in a cycle of sexual exploitation. One of the victims disclosed that she was forced to swear an oath at a shrine before being transported, and was later told she owed the syndicate 2.2 million CFA francs.
The agency launched the operation after receiving credible intelligence and following widespread public concern, including a viral video shared by human rights activist and social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). His exposé brought urgent attention to the plight of young Nigerian women trafficked across borders.
Speaking after the successful raid, NAPTIP Director General, Dr. Binta Adamu Bello, praised the operation as a significant victory in the fight against human trafficking. She reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and strengthening partnerships with regional and international bodies to ensure the safe return of victims and prosecution of traffickers.
The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, with NAPTIP promising further arrests in connection with the syndicate.
