April 17, (THEWILL) – The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has intensified its crackdown on organised human trafficking networks, arresting two Abuja-based suspects believed to be the masterminds behind a trans-border syndicate operating across West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.
The suspects, 32-year-old Emmanuel Uzor Igwe and 30-year-old Ugochukwu Christian, were identified by some victims currently stranded in Côte d’Ivoire during conversations with popular human rights activist and social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). This prompted his intervention and a subsequent visit to NAPTIP’s headquarters in Abuja.
Operatives apprehended the suspects at their lavishly furnished mansion located in a popular estate in Lugbe, Federal Capital Territory.
The property, equipped with high-tech security features, reportedly served as both their residence and operational base.
During the raid, led by NAPTIP’s Head of Operations, two suspected victims of human trafficking were also rescued. The operation lasted several hours due to restricted access created by the property’s advanced facilities.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims had been recruited by the suspects, sworn to oaths of secrecy, and subjected to intense sexual grooming. The operatives found the victims naked and involved in sexual acts at the time of the rescue.
One of the victims, who requested anonymity, disclosed that she was recruited from an eastern state with the promise of a lucrative job at a mall in Côte d’Ivoire.
“They told me I would be paid in foreign currency and that I would have to repay them 2.2 million CFA francs. They also took us to a shrine located about three hours’ drive from Gwagwalada to swear an oath. I can’t remember exactly where it was,” she said.
The arrest followed intelligence gathered through NAPTIP’s social media platforms and information provided by a sister security agency, pinpointing the suspects’ location.
Last Thursday, VDM visited NAPTIP headquarters to express concern over the plight of Nigerian trafficking victims in Côte d’Ivoire. He pledged to work with the agency to create awareness and support rescue efforts.
Following his viral video exposing the syndicate, the suspects allegedly threatened the victims, warning them against backing out of prostitution or failing to pay the promised 2.2 million CFA francs.
Speaking on the arrests, NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, OON, said the agency is committed to dismantling human trafficking networks operating within and beyond Nigeria.
“The arrest of these two suspects is part of our planned onslaught against human traffickers. They are members of a trans-border criminal gang, and we are pleased to have apprehended them,” Bello said.
She added, “During VDM’s visit last week, we assured him that NAPTIP would act decisively. Today’s development is proof that we stand by our word. We are also engaging with partners across neighbouring countries, particularly in Côte d’Ivoire, to facilitate the rescue of stranded victims.”
Bello thanked stakeholders and partners, especially VDM, for supporting the agency’s efforts, describing him as “deeply passionate about Nigeria.”
“The game is over for human traffickers in Nigeria. NAPTIP will choke their operations unless they desist from exploiting our citizens,” she declared.
She added that a full investigation is underway, and the suspects, along with any accomplices, would be prosecuted if found culpable.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
