NAPTIP Rescues 15 Victims from Online Traffickers

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) rescued 15 individuals from suspected online traffickers operating in Nasarawa State. The operation took place on May 7, 2026, in the Keffi and Karu Local Government Area, following credible intelligence regarding suspicious activities linked to online market fraud.

The victims comprised four females and eleven males, with three of the male victims identified as Nigerian nationals, while the others were foreign nationals. NAPTIP disclosed that the suspects allegedly operated under the guise of online market companies to recruit and harbor unsuspecting individuals, exploiting them under conditions connected to human trafficking and cyber-related crimes.

The agency described this development as a serious security and humanitarian concern, citing deceptive recruitment methods used to exploit vulnerable victims. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the trafficking network and to arrest those involved, with NAPTIP urging the public to report any suspicious recruitment activities.