The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has conducted a raid at a popular hotel in Onitsha, Anambra State, resulting in the arrest of four suspected traffickers and the rescue of 17 alleged victims of human trafficking.

The operation, supported by the military, also led to the apprehension of two suspects accused of buying and selling babies in the Southeast region of Nigeria.

During the operation, it was discovered that four of the rescued victims were infected with HIV and are currently receiving counselling from NAPTIP caregivers and volunteers from the Anambra State Aids Control Agency (ANSACA).

Speaking on the arrest, the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello, expressed concern over the health status of the victims and condemned the actions of the traffickers, noting that it is a gross violation of human rights and a criminal act.

“I want to sincerely thank the Military in Onitsha for their support during this operation, and also the Gender and Human Rights State Response Team for their timely intervention.

“This is a criminal act, and NAPTIP has launched a manhunt for their so-called Madam, the DG said.

Bello confirmed that NAPTIP is also interrogating the hotel owner to determine further actions regarding the facility.

The DG reassured that NAPTIP will continue to enhance efforts to combat human trafficking and dismantle trafficking cartels.

“We shall continue to double our efforts to ensure a good chase for the human trafficking criminal elements in the country,” she adds.

NAPTIP, in a statement by its Head, Press and Public Relations Unit, Vincent Adekoye, said intelligence received from a non-state actor revealed that there were reports of underage girls within the hotel, prompting the investigation.

Residents had previously expressed concerns over the influx of men at the hotel, which has around 45 rooms.

The rescued victims disclosed that they had been trafficked from Benue, Imo, Ebonyi, and Akwa Ibom States for prostitution, with each reportedly required to pay their trafficker between N20,000 and N25,000 daily after servicing multiple clients.

One victim recounted, “It was my boyfriend who said he saw a job for me here in Onitsha. I will work for her (the traffickers), and pay N20,000 daily.”

Another victim shared her painful experience with their trafficker, saying, “Our Madam beat us seriously because we came out of the rooms to see the people who tested us.”