The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, in collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigeria Immigration Service, has intercepted 47 suspected victims of human trafficking at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while they were preparing to board a flight to Cairo, Egypt.
The interception occurred at about 13:10 hours on Wednesday, following coordinated surveillance and swift inter-agency action.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the victims—comprising 46 females and one male, all aged 19 and above—were allegedly being trafficked abroad under false promises of employment. The individuals were reportedly lured with offers of jobs as domestic workers, factory employees, and sales representatives.
However, intelligence findings suggest that the offers were deceptive and consistent with established trafficking patterns used by criminal networks to exploit vulnerable Nigerians overseas.
The victims have since been taken into protective custody for profiling and support services, while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those behind the suspected trafficking operation.
NAPTIP commended the vigilance and collaboration of FAAN and NIS in foiling the attempt, and urged members of the public to exercise caution when presented with suspicious travel arrangements or unverified overseas job offers.
