The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has raided a popular hotel in the 3-3 area of Onitsha, Anambra State.
The raid led to the arrest four suspected human traffickers and rescue of 17 alleged victims.
In a statement, Vincent Adekoye, Head, Press and Public Relations Unit said the military support NAPTIP in the operation.
Two additional suspects who allegedly buy and sell of babies across South-East states were also arrested.
NAPTIP disclosed that four of the rescued victims tested positive for HIV and are currently receiving counselling and care from NAPTIP officials and volunteers of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA).
The raid followed actionable intelligence by a non-state actor, which raised concerns over the presence of underage girls in the facility and their health status after voluntary screening and counselling.
Investigations revealed that residents had long expressed concern over suspicious activities at the hotel.
The facility reportedly has about 45 rooms and attracts a steady influx of men believed to patronise underage girls.
During the operation, operatives reportedly found some of the victims with clients, while others were allegedly waiting for customers.
The victims said they were recruited from Benue, Imo, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom states and trafficked to Onitsha for alleged prostitution.
They claimed they were required to remit between ₦20,000 and ₦25,000 daily to their “madam.”
Victims’ narratives
One of the victims recounted how a boyfriend lured to Onitsha under the guise of securing a job.
“When I arrived, the madam sent someone to pick me and introduced me to this work.
“I was told to pay ₦20,000 daily. I didn’t want to do it, but it was already too late to refuse,” she said.
Another victim alleged that after undergoing medical testing and receiving medication, their madam seized the drugs and assaulted them.
“She warned us never to go out for treatment again,” she said tearfully.
DG’s reaction
Reacting, NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, expressed deep concern over the victims’ condition.
She commended the military and ANSACA’s Gender and Human Rights State Response Team for their swift intervention.
She described the alleged confiscation of medication and denial of medical care as a criminal act.
“I want to sincerely thank the Military in Onitsha for their support to NAPTIP during this operation, and also the Gender and Human Rights State Response Team (GHR-SRT) domiciled under the Anambra State Aids Control Agency (ANSACA) in the Office of the Governor who provided timely intervention and collaboration that led to the rescue of the underage girls.
“I am most devastated by the health status of the rescued victims and the action of their so-called Madam who not only collected the Antiretroviral medicines that were given to them by the good-spirited organization that visited the hotel, but also prevented them from accessing any further medical opportunity.
“This is a criminal act and NAPTIP has launched a manhunt for her. The Agency has also invited the Owner of the Hotel for interrogation with a view to determining the next sanction on the facility.
NAPTIP has also invited the hotel owner for interrogation to determine appropriate sanctions.
“As earlier warned, NAPTIP will continue to intensify efforts to dismantle trafficking networks across the country,” Bello said.
