The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has uncovered a suspected human trafficking syndicate involving foreign nationals operating within Keffi and Karu Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State.
The discovery followed a joint operation carried out by officers of the Investigation Department and the Intelligence and International Cooperation Unit (IICU) on May 7th between 1645hrs and 1800hrs, based on credible intelligence regarding suspicious activities linked to fraudulent online marketing operations.
NAPTIP in a statement released said preliminary investigation revealed that fifteen (15) persons comprising four (4) female victims and eleven 11) male victims were found at the location. It said among the male victims, three (3) were identified as Nigerians, while others are foreign nationals.
‘’Findings indicate that the suspects allegedly operated under the guise of an online marketing company to recruit and harbor unsuspecting persons in conditions suspected to be connected to human trafficking, cyber-related exploitation, and other organized criminal activities.”
NAPTIP said it is an emerging trend and is a serious security and humanitarian concern due to the deceptive recruitment methods employed by the traffickers and the vulnerability of victims to exploitation.
It said investigation is ongoing to uncover the full extent of the network and apprehend other collaborators.
NGBREAKINGNEWS.COM
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