The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has rescued 15 individuals, including foreign nationals, from a suspected human trafficking syndicate allegedly operating under the cover of an online marketing business in Nasarawa State.
The agency said the victims were rescued during an intelligence-led operation carried out in Keffi and Karu Local Government Areas of the state following reports of suspicious activities linked to fraudulent online marketing schemes.
According to NAPTIP, the operation was conducted on May 7, 2026, by officials from its Investigation Department in collaboration with the Intelligence and International Cooperation Unit.
In a statement issued on Wednesday through its official X account, the agency disclosed that the victims comprised four women and 11 men.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that fifteen persons, including four female victims and eleven male victims, were found at the location. Among the male victims, three were Nigerians, while the others are foreign nationals,” the statement read.
NAPTIP alleged that the suspects used deceptive recruitment tactics under the guise of an online marketing company to lure unsuspecting individuals into exploitative conditions.
“Findings indicate that the suspects allegedly operated under the guise of an online marketing company to recruit and harbour unsuspecting persons in conditions suspected to be connected to human trafficking, cyber-related exploitation, and other organised criminal activities,” the agency stated.
Describing the incident as both a security and humanitarian concern, NAPTIP warned about the increasing use of false job opportunities to exploit vulnerable persons.
The agency said investigations were ongoing to determine the full scale of the operation and apprehend other accomplices connected to the suspected network.
NAPTIP also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious recruitment activities and unusual movements within their communities to the appropriate authorities.
