By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has rescued 14 women from trafficked syndicate and arrested two suspects.
It said the human-trafficking ring is operating in Abuja.
The suspected traffickers were attempting to move the victims out of the country.
According to a statement issued by the Corps Public Relations Officer (PRO) Babawale Afolabi, the breakthrough followed credible intelligence received by the Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS).
It said the information revealed that the victims were being prepared for illegal transportation to Egypt and Israel and were temporarily lodged at Odogwu Guest House in Gbesa, Abuja Municipal Area Council.
“Acting swiftly, the CG’s SIS intercepted a Toyota Sienna vehicle allegedly transporting the victims to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, leading to the arrest of two Nigerian suspects believed to be part of a wider trafficking network. All 14 victims were rescued during the operation.
“Investigations revealed that the women—aged between 19 and 47—were from various ethnic backgrounds: 11 Yoruba, one Igbo, one Igede, and one Isoko. Thirteen of them were found with international passports and yellow cards but lacked the required visas for their supposed destinations.
“They told investigators that they were promised lucrative opportunities abroad as fashion designers, makeup artists, and hairdressers. They also identified the arrested suspects as local collaborators working for foreign-based traffickers.
“The NSCDC said the suspects, crime scene, and recovered exhibits have been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and prosecution.
Reaffirming its commitment to combating human trafficking, the Corps called on the public to continue providing timely intelligence to support efforts to protect citizens and national assets.”
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