The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says it has rescued 17 victims of human trafficking and arrested six suspects during a raid on a popular hotel in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The operation, which took place on Monday, was carried out with military support at the hotel located in the 33 area of the commercial city. According to the agency, four of the suspects were arrested at the hotel, while two others were apprehended in connection with an alleged interstate baby trafficking syndicate operating across the South-East.
NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, disclosed this in a statement, noting that four of the rescued victims tested positive for HIV and are currently receiving counselling and medical care from NAPTIP officials and volunteers of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency.
Adekoye explained that the raid followed credible intelligence provided by a non-state actor, which raised concerns about the presence of underage girls at the facility and their deteriorating health conditions.
Preliminary findings revealed that residents had previously complained about suspicious activities at the 45-room hotel, including the frequent influx of men allegedly patronising underage girls. During the raid, some victims were reportedly found with customers, while others, dressed provocatively, were said to be waiting for clients.
The victims told investigators they were recruited from Benue, Imo, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom states and trafficked to Onitsha for prostitution. They alleged that they were required to remit between ₦20,000 and ₦25,000 daily to their handler, popularly known as “Madam,” after engaging multiple clients.
One of the victims recounted that she was deceived into the arrangement by her boyfriend, who promised her a job in Onitsha. Upon arrival, she was handed over to the handler and forced into prostitution under the promise of receiving ₦500,000 and a box of clothes after one year.
Another victim, whose HIV status was described as compromised, alleged that the handler confiscated antiretroviral drugs provided by health workers and barred them from seeking medical treatment, beating them for attempting to access care.
Reacting to the development, NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu-Bello, expressed deep concern over the victims’ health conditions and condemned the actions of their alleged handler.
She thanked the military in Onitsha and the Gender and Human Rights State Response Team under the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency for their support during the operation, describing the confiscation of HIV medication as a criminal act. She added that a manhunt had been launched for the suspected handler.
Adamu-Bello also disclosed that the hotel owner had been invited for questioning to determine possible sanctions against the facility. She reaffirmed NAPTIP’s commitment to dismantling trafficking networks nationwide, warning that traffickers would face intensified enforcement.
The NAPTIP boss recently vowed to make 2026 “unpleasant” for human traffickers who refuse to abandon the illegal trade.
