Raid in Onitsha uncovers underage victims, suspected baby-trafficking network, and serious health concerns.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued 17 victims of human trafficking and arrested four suspects during a raid in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The operation, carried out with military support, took place at a facility located in the 33 Area of the commercial city.

The raid also led to the arrest of two additional suspects allegedly linked to a baby-trafficking network operating across states in the South-East.

NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, disclosed this in a statement titled “NAPTIP stings human traffickers in Anambra: raids popular hotel in Onitsha, arrests four suspects, rescues 17 victims.”

According to Adekoye, four of the rescued victims tested positive for HIV and are currently receiving counselling and medical care from NAPTIP caregivers, with support from volunteers of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency.

He said the operation followed credible intelligence from a non-state actor, which revealed the presence of underage girls at the facility and raised concerns about their deteriorating health conditions.

Preliminary investigations further showed that residents had repeatedly complained about suspicious activities at the 45-room facility, particularly the alleged patronage of underage girls by adult men.

NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu-Bello, expressed deep concern over the health and welfare of the victims and strongly condemned the actions of those suspected to be behind the trafficking operation.