The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, has rescued 22 females and arrested three suspected human traffickers during an operation in Abuja.
The operation was carried out on 12th August 2026 at Airport Village, following intelligence on a syndicate allegedly involved in facilitating foreign travel for trafficking purposes.
According to NAPTIP, the victims, aged between 16 and 45, were being prepared for onward travel to Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries. Preliminary investigations revealed that they were recruited by various agents from different states in Northern Nigeria and brought to Abuja.
One of the rescued victims is a 16-year-old girl.
The Agency said the 22 rescued females are currently receiving necessary care and support, while investigations continue to uncover the full extent of the trafficking network.
NAPTIP reiterated its commitment to disrupting trafficking syndicates, protecting vulnerable persons, and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.
The arrests bring to the fore ongoing efforts by the agency to curb human trafficking, particularly cases involving deceptive overseas employment and exploitation in the Middle East.
