The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons says it has rescued 15 people, including foreign nationals, after uncovering a suspected human trafficking syndicate allegedly operating as an online marketing company in Nasarawa State.
The agency said the operation was carried out in Keffi and Karu local government areas following what it described as “credible intelligence” on suspicious activities linked to fraudulent online marketing operations.
In a statement posted on its X handle, NAPTIP said officers from its Investigation Department and the Intelligence and International Cooperation Unit conducted the raid earlier this month.
According to the agency, preliminary investigations showed that four women and 11 men were rescued during the operation.
“Among the male victims, three were identified as Nigerians, while others are foreign nationals,” the statement said.
NAPTIP alleged that the suspects used the cover of an online marketing company to recruit and harbour unsuspecting victims.
“Findings indicate that the suspects allegedly operated under the guise of an online marketing company to recruit and harbour unsuspecting persons in conditions suspected to be connected to human trafficking, cyber-related exploitation, and other organised criminal activities,” the agency added.
The anti-trafficking agency described the case as a “serious security and humanitarian concern”, warning that deceptive recruitment tactics continue to expose vulnerable people to exploitation.
It said investigations were ongoing to uncover the full scope of the network and track down other collaborators linked to the syndicate.
NAPTIP also urged members of the public to report suspicious recruitment activities and unusual movements within their communities to security agencies and relevant authorities.
