By Jane Okafor, Abuja
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued 15 suspected victims, including foreign nationals, after dismantling an alleged human trafficking network operating under the cover of an online marketing business in Nasarawa State.
The operation was carried out in the Keffi and Karu local government areas following intelligence reports on suspicious activities tied to fraudulent online marketing schemes.
NAPTIP disclosed the development in a statement posted on its official X account on Wednesday, noting that the raid was conducted on May 7, 2026, by officers from its Investigation Department alongside personnel from the Intelligence and International Cooperation Unit.
According to the agency, 15 persons were found at the location during the operation, comprising four females and 11 males.
“Among the male victims, three were identified as Nigerians, while the others are foreign nationals,” the statement said.
Preliminary findings by investigators revealed that the suspects allegedly used the online marketing outfit as a front to recruit and shelter unsuspecting individuals in circumstances believed to be linked to human trafficking, cyber-related exploitation, and other organised criminal activities.
NAPTIP described the incident as a major security and humanitarian concern, stressing that the syndicate allegedly relied on deceptive recruitment tactics to lure vulnerable persons into exploitation.
The agency said investigations were ongoing to uncover the full scope of the operation, identify additional victims, and track down other members of the network still at large.
NAPTIP also reaffirmed its commitment to tackling human trafficking and related crimes across the country, while urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious recruitment activities or unusual movements within their communities to security agencies.
