The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has dismantled an alleged inter-state human trafficking syndicate operating from a well-known hotel in Katsina State. During the operation, three suspected traffickers were arrested, and three young women believed to be victims of forced prostitution were rescued.
According to NAPTIP’s Katsina State Command, the suspects specialized in recruiting and transporting young girls from different states across Nigeria to northern regions for sexual exploitation. The victims, aged between 21 and 26, are from Benue and Rivers States.
Initial investigations revealed that the trafficked girls were promised decent jobs but were instead coerced into prostitution upon arrival. One of the victims tearfully recounted how they were made to sleep with at least 20 men daily and were given energy drinks to help them endure the ordeal even during illness or menstruation.
> “We had no say. All the money we made went to a woman known as Amarachi, the head of the ring. We were constantly watched and financially drained to prevent escape,” one of the victims narrated.
The girls were confined to a small room within the hotel premises, while their traffickers stayed in more comfortable rooms nearby, reportedly profiting from the exploitation.
The hotel, whose name has been withheld due to ongoing investigations, is now under scrutiny for allegedly aiding and abetting trafficking activities. The hotel manager and two other staff members were also arrested during the raid.
Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, OON, expressed concern over the growing trend of hospitality establishments being used as hubs for trafficking and sexual exploitation.
> “This is a disturbing trend. Some hotels are becoming safe havens for traffickers. We are taking legal steps to sanction the hotel in question and ensure justice is served,” Bello stated.
She commended the Katsina command for their swift action and confirmed that NAPTIP would intensify surveillance of hotels, drinking joints, and motor parks across Nigeria to clamp down on trafficking networks.
This operation aligns with recent directives from NAPTIP leadership, calling for increased vigilance and intelligence gathering to combat the surge in inter-state human trafficking. The agency is working closely with law enforcement and community stakeholders to protect vulnerable young people from exploitation.
NAPTIP reiterated its commitment to supporting survivors through rehabilitation programs while ensuring perpetrators face the full weight of the law.
