A daring sting operation by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Katsina State has led to the rescue of three young women and the arrest of three suspected human traffickers operating from a popular hotel in the state capital.
The agency disclosed that the suspects belong to a notorious inter-state human trafficking syndicate involved in the recruitment, harbouring, and trafficking of young girls from various parts of Nigeria to northern states for sexual exploitation.
During the operation, which took place inside a hotel located in Katsina township, three victims — aged between 21 and 26 — were rescued. Two are reportedly from Benue State and one from Rivers State.
One of the victims, who asked to remain anonymous, shared her chilling experience while speaking to investigators.
“I was brought here by a woman who promised to give us a job with good pay,” she said. “But when we arrived, she introduced us to prostitution. That was not part of what they told us before.”
According to her, they were forced into sleeping with as many as 20 men each day, regardless of their health or physical condition. The victims said they were stripped of all earnings, which were handed over to the syndicate’s ringleader, a woman identified only as Amarachi, referred to by the victims as the “chairlady.”
“Even when we are sick or menstruating, they force us to work,” the victim continued. “Every evening, they give us Fearless energy drinks so we can stay awake and ‘work’ throughout the night. They don’t care how we feel.”
The victims further revealed that the traffickers intentionally kept them financially dependent and under surveillance to prevent escape. “They paid men to monitor us,” one of the victims said, adding that any form of resistance was met with threats and punishment.
In a statement released by NAPTIP’s Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, the manager of the hotel and two other staff members were arrested at the scene. Preliminary investigations suggest the suspects may be part of a wider trafficking network that supplies young women to brothels and other centres of exploitation, including some outside Nigeria.
The agency assured the public that full investigations are underway and that efforts are being made to dismantle the entire network.
NAPTIP also called on members of the public to report suspicious activities related to human trafficking and exploitation.
“These arrests and rescues are a testament to the agency’s renewed commitment to rooting out trafficking networks and protecting the dignity of every Nigerian,” the statement read.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention, psychosocial support, and rehabilitation under the care of NAPTIP.
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, please contact NAPTIP’s toll-free line at 0703 0000 203 or visit www.naptip.gov.ng.
