The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, has expressed concern that the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja is increasingly being exploited as a hub by human traffickers.
Bello raised the alarm on Wednesday after leading a major operation at the airport, which disrupted trafficking activities, rescued 24 victims, and led to the arrest of five suspected traffickers.
According to NAPTIP, the victims—aged between 15 and 26—were recruited from Kano, Katsina, Oyo, Ondo, and Rivers States. They were bound for Iraq, Sudan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Afghanistan. Shockingly, some of them could only communicate in their local dialects, while others had no idea of their actual destination.
A statement from NAPTIP’s press officer, Vincent Adekoye, revealed that one of the arrested traffickers is a retired senior law enforcement officer and a key figure in a trafficking syndicate operating in Nigeria’s South West.
The agency explained that the raid followed a tip-off from concerned stakeholders who reported an unusual influx of suspected victims at the Abuja airport. After nearly six hours of surveillance and operation, officials apprehended the suspects and rescued the victims.
One rescued victim recounted: “They told my mother that they were taking me to Europe to work and earn dollars. My parents were happy, so they allowed me to go.”
Another victim, whose father was among those arrested, said she felt betrayed after discovering the deception: “My father told me his friend had a job for me at a supermarket in Baghdad. He never said it was Iraq. When I saw videos of trafficked girls being maltreated, I knew I didn’t want that life. I am angry with him. I thank NAPTIP for rescuing me.”
Speaking after the operation, Bello condemned traffickers and unregistered labour recruiters who continue to exploit Nigerians, often luring them into unstable and dangerous regions.
“I am impressed with today’s outcome because we arrested five suspected traffickers who have been recruiting our citizens to conflict-prone countries, especially in the Middle East,” she said. “We observed that Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is becoming a comfort zone for traffickers. We will sustain these raids until they stop this illicit trade.”
She expressed disbelief that a retired senior law enforcement officer would deceive his own daughter and attempt to traffic her. Bello assured that all suspects will face thorough investigation and prosecution.
The DG also commended the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Department of State Services (DSS), airport security, immigration officers, and airline operators for their collaboration.
“Human trafficking is a national concern,” Bello stressed. “We must all work together to turn the heat on traffickers and protect Nigerians from exploitation. Our resolve is firm and unshakable.”