As part of its renewed nationwide crackdown on human trafficking, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has raided a popular, highly rated hotel (name withheld) located around the 33 Area of Onitsha, Anambra State, arresting four suspected traffickers and rescuing 17 alleged victims.

In a related operation carried out with the support of the Military, two additional suspects allegedly involved in the buying and selling of babies within the South-East region were also apprehended.

Disturbingly, four of the rescued victims tested positive for HIV and are currently receiving counselling and care from NAPTIP officials and volunteers from the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA).

The operation followed credible intelligence provided by a non-state actor in Anambra State, which indicated the presence of underage girls in the facility. The intelligence also revealed concerns about the health status of the victims, prompting voluntary screening after proper counselling.

Investigations further revealed that residents of the area had earlier expressed concern over the suspicious activities at the hotel, which reportedly has about 45 rooms. According to residents, there had been a constant influx of men patronising underage girls at the facility.

During the raid, some victims were reportedly caught in the act with customers, while others were found scantily dressed, allegedly waiting for clients.

Preliminary interrogation revealed that the victims were recruited from Benue, Imo, Ebonyi, and Akwa Ibom States and trafficked to Onitsha for alleged prostitution. The victims disclosed that they were made to remit between ₦20,000 and ₦25,000 daily to their “Madam,” often by sleeping with up to five men daily, involving multiple sexual rounds.

One of the victims narrated her ordeal:

“It was my boyfriend who told me he had found a job for me in Onitsha. When I arrived, the Madam sent someone to pick me up from the park. She told me I must pay ₦20,000 daily, and that after one year she would give me ₦500,000 and a box of clothes. I did not want to do this job, but it was already too late to refuse.”

Another victim, whose health status has been compromised, said:

“When the people came to test us, they told me I was infected and advised us to start treatment. They gave us drugs, but after they left, our Madam beat us and collected the drugs. She warned us never to seek treatment again. I cried for hours, and the more I cried, the more she beat me.”

Reacting to the development, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, OON, expressed deep concern over the plight of the victims, particularly their deteriorating health condition.

“I sincerely appreciate the Military in Onitsha for their support during this operation, as well as the Gender and Human Rights State Response Team (GHR-SRT) domiciled at ANSACA under the Office of the Governor for their timely intervention that led to the rescue of these underage girls,” she said.

The NAPTIP boss described the alleged actions of the traffickers’ “Madam” as criminal and inhumane.

“I am deeply devastated by the health condition of these victims and by the criminal act of their so-called Madam, who confiscated their antiretroviral drugs and prevented them from accessing medical care. NAPTIP has launched a manhunt for her,” Bello stated.

She further disclosed that the owner of the hotel has been invited for interrogation, adding that appropriate sanctions would be determined upon the conclusion of investigations.

Reaffirming the Agency’s resolve, the Director-General said:

“As earlier warned, NAPTIP will continue to intensify efforts and scale up operations to ensure that human trafficking criminal networks are relentlessly pursued and dismantled across the country.”

Vincent Adekoye
Head, Press and Public Relations Unit
NAPTIP
February 2, 2026