Kano NAPTIP Rescues 17 Women Over Alleged Human Trafficking Plot

Kano, Nigeria – The Kano State Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued 17 women suspected to be victims of an attempted human trafficking operation, allegedly planned to transport them to Qatar and Egypt for labour.

The rescued women were intercepted at a hotel in the Sabon Gari area of Kano during a joint operation carried out by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kano Command. The Comptroller of the NIS in Kano State, Habib Mohammad, confirmed the development to newsmen on Monday.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the women were allegedly being prepared for onward movement to Qatar and Egypt under the guise of securing labour opportunities abroad.

Habib Mohammad explained that following their rescue, the victims were handed over to NAPTIP for further investigation and necessary action in line with its mandate to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable persons.
He disclosed that investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend those behind the trafficking network, stressing that the authorities were determined to dismantle the syndicate and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The immigration comptroller added that upon the conclusion of investigations, the rescued women would be reunited with their parents and guardians.

Mohammad used the opportunity to call on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to security agencies, noting that collective effort was crucial in the fight against human trafficking.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Immigration Service, in collaboration with NAPTIP and other security agencies, to ensuring a human trafficking–free society and safeguarding the rights and dignity of Nigerians, especially women and young persons.