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NAPTIP Raids Onitsha Hotel, Arrests Six Suspects, Rescues 17 Trafficking Victims
NAPTIP Raids Onitsha Hotel, Arrests Six Suspects, Rescues 17 Trafficking Victims
By: Michael Mike
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has uncovered an alleged human trafficking operation following a coordinated raid on a popular hotel in the 33 Area of Onitsha, Anambra State, resulting in the arrest of six suspects and the rescue of 17 victims.
The operation, which was carried out with the support of military personnel, led to the arrest of four suspected traffickers at the hotel, while two other suspects believed to be involved in the buying and selling of babies within the South-East region were apprehended during related operations.
NAPTIP disclosed that four of the rescued victims were diagnosed with HIV and are currently receiving counselling and medical support from the agency, alongside volunteers from the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA).
According to the agency, the raid was triggered by credible intelligence from a non-state actor in Anambra State, which indicated the presence of underage girls allegedly being exploited within the facility.
The intelligence also revealed concerns about the health conditions of the victims, prompting voluntary medical screening after proper counselling.
Investigations revealed that residents in the area had previously raised alarm over suspicious activities at the hotel, which has about 45 rooms. The hotel was reportedly known for frequent visits by men suspected to be engaging in illicit activities with underage girls.
During the operation, some victims were found in compromising situations with clients, while others were reportedly dressed provocatively and waiting for customers.
The victims were said to have told investigators that they were recruited from Benue, Imo, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom states and trafficked to Onitsha under false pretences before being forced into prostitution.
The victims further disclosed that they were compelled to remit between ₦20,000 and ₦25,000 daily to their handler, popularly referred to as their “Madam,” after engaging multiple clients each day.
One of the rescued victims recounted being lured to Onitsha by a promise of employment, only to discover upon arrival that she had been forced into sex work.
Another victim alleged that after undergoing HIV testing, their handler seized the medications provided and physically assaulted them for attempting to seek medical treatment.
Reacting to the development, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Hajiya Binta Bello, expressed deep concern over the victims’ suffering and deteriorating health conditions.
She commended the military and the Gender and Human Rights State Response Team domiciled at ANSACA for their swift intervention and collaboration.
Bello described the denial of medical care to the victims as a criminal act, revealing that NAPTIP has launched a manhunt for the fleeing handler. She also confirmed that the owner of the hotel has been invited for questioning as investigations continue.
The NAPTIP boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to intensifying its crackdown on human trafficking, warning traffickers that 2026 would be a difficult year for anyone involved in the crime.
NAPTIP Raids Onitsha Hotel, Arrests Six Suspects, Rescues 17 Trafficking Victims
Police officer dies, 17 injured in auto crash along Potiskum–Bauchi road
By: Zagazola Makama
A senior police officer has died while 17 other passengers sustained injuries following a road accident along the Potiskum–Bauchi highway in Yobe State.
Sources said the crash occurred at about 3:15 p.m. on Feb. 21 near the bye-pass roundabout area of PKM on the outskirts of Potiskum.
The vehicle, a Toyota Hummer Bus belonging to Borno Express and conveying 18 passengers from Kaduna to Maiduguri, reportedly lost control after the rear tyre rim on the passenger side suddenly detached.
According to the sources , the driver veered off the road into a bush, resulting in fatal and multiple injuries.
One of the passengers, ACP Abubakar Ibrahim Balteh, 45, attached to the Borno State Police Command, sustained a severe head injury and died on the spot.
Two male and two female passengers escaped unhurt, while 13 others suffered serious injuries of varying degrees.
The injured victims and the deceased were evacuated to the General Hospital Potiskum for treatment and autopsy.
Police officer dies, 17 injured in auto crash along Potiskum–Bauchi road
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA humiliate Lakurawa terrorists
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have neutralised several of suspected Lakurawa terrorist elements following a failed attack on Dadinkowa community in Kebbi State.
Local intelligence sources said the armed group attempted to raid a local market in the early hours of Sunday and blocked a major access road into the community to facilitate the operation.
The sources disclosed that security forces responded swiftly after receiving distress alerts and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat.
According to the sources, several of the assailants were neutralised during the encounter, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
The attempted market raid was successfully foiled, preventing potential civilian casualties and destruction of property.
Troops have since intensified patrols and clearance operations around Dadinkowa and adjoining areas to track fleeing elements and stabilise the security environment.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA humiliate Lakurawa terrorists
One killed as suspected IPOB/ESN militants attack Ogbakoba Market in Anambra
By: Zagazola Makama
A 15-year-old boy was killed while security operatives repelled an attack by suspected members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN militia at Ogbakoba Market Arena in Anambra State.
Sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 21 at about 1:40 p.m., when a group of armed hoodlums emerged from a dense forest camp at Amiyi and opened sporadic fire at market-goers, apparently attempting to kidnap or rob residents.
A joint task force patrol team stationed at Amiyi responded swiftly, engaging the attackers in a fierce gun duel that forced them to retreat into the forest with bullet wounds. The injured boy was rushed to the village hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival. His body was deposited in the morgue for autopsy and preservation.
The sources added that later the same day at about 8:30 p.m., the armed group resurfaced near the community, snatching a shuttle bus with registration number HAL 987 XA and a GSM phone belonging to one Mr. Kinsley Iwunze of Okpotuno Odekpe, Ogbaru LGA.
Security operatives immediately dispatched teams to the scene, but the hoodlums had fled. Authorities said an aggressive manhunt was ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
One killed as suspected IPOB/ESN militants attack Ogbakoba Market in Anambra
Police officer dies, 17 injured in auto crash along Potiskum–Bauchi road
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA humiliate Lakurawa terrorists
One killed as suspected IPOB/ESN militants attack Ogbakoba Market in Anambra
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