The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has raided a popular hotel located around the well-known 3-3 area of Onitsha, Anambra State, arresting four suspected human traffickers and rescuing 17 alleged victims of trafficking.
In a related development, during the coordinated operation—which was carried out with the support of the military—two additional suspects allegedly involved in the buying and selling of babies within states in the South-East region were also apprehended.
A statement issued on Monday by Vincent Adekoye, Head of NAPTIP’s Press and Public Relations Unit, disclosed that four of the rescued victims have tested positive for HIV and are currently receiving counselling and care from a team of NAPTIP caregivers, in collaboration with volunteers from the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA).
According to the statement, the operation followed credible intelligence provided by a non-state actor based in Anambra State, which indicated the presence of underage girls in the hotel. The intelligence also highlighted concerns about the health status of the victims, prompting a voluntary screening exercise that was conducted after proper counselling.
Investigations revealed that residents of the area had previously expressed concern over the suspicious and unwholesome activities of the hotel operators.
The hotel, which reportedly has about 45 rooms, had drawn attention due to the constant influx of men who allegedly patronised underage girls on a daily basis.
During the raid, some of the victims were reportedly caught in compromising situations with their customers, while others were seen scantily dressed and loitering around, apparently waiting for prospective clients.
During interrogation, the victims disclosed that they were recruited from Benue, Imo, Ebonyi, and Akwa Ibom States and trafficked to Onitsha for alleged prostitution.
They further revealed that each of them was required to remit between ₦20,000 and ₦25,000 daily to their “Madam,” often after engaging in sexual activities with about five men, sometimes involving multiple rounds.
One of the victims recounted her ordeal, saying:
“It was my boyfriend who told me that he had seen a job for me in Onitsha. When I arrived, the Madam sent someone to pick me up from the park and introduced me to this kind of hustle. I did not agree willingly, but it was too late for me to refuse.”
Another victim, whose health status has been compromised, alleged further abuse:
“When some people came to test us, they told me that I was infected and gave us medicine. But after they left, our Madam beat us severely for coming out to meet them. She collected the drugs and warned us never to seek medical treatment again.”
Reacting to the development, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, expressed deep concern over the plight of the victims, particularly their deteriorating health conditions.
“I am deeply devastated by the health status of the rescued victims and by the actions of their so-called Madam, who not only confiscated the antiretroviral drugs provided by a well-meaning organisation but also prevented them from accessing further medical care,”
“This is a criminal act. NAPTIP has launched a manhunt for her and has also invited the owner of the hotel for interrogation, with a view to determining the appropriate sanctions against the facility.”she said.
She reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to combating human trafficking.
“As stated a few weeks ago, NAPTIP will continue to intensify its efforts and scale up operations to ensure that traffickers and other criminal elements involved in this inhuman trade are decisively brought to justice.”she added.
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