The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has rescued 15 individuals, including foreign nationals, from a suspected human trafficking ring operating under the cover of an online marketing business in Nasarawa State.
According to a statement released by the agency via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the operation was carried out on May 7, 2026, in Keffi and Karu Local Government Areas following credible intelligence on suspicious recruitment and online business activities.
NAPTIP revealed that officers from its Investigation Department and the Intelligence and International Cooperation Unit led the coordinated raid that uncovered the victims at the suspected hideout.
Preliminary findings showed that the rescued persons included four females and eleven males. Among the males, three were Nigerians while the remaining victims were foreign nationals.
Authorities noted that the individuals were allegedly recruited under false pretences linked to an online marketing scheme, which is now suspected to be a front for human trafficking and cyber-related exploitation.
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Security officials described the development as a serious humanitarian and criminal concern, highlighting how traffickers are increasingly adopting digital platforms and fake job offers to lure unsuspecting victims into exploitative situations.
Investigations are currently ongoing to identify other members of the network and dismantle the wider criminal syndicate believed to be operating beyond Nasarawa State.
NAPTIP has reiterated its commitment to fighting human trafficking and urged members of the public to remain vigilant, report suspicious job offers, and alert authorities to unusual recruitment activities within their communities.
The agency also emphasized the growing trend of online recruitment scams and warned that criminal groups are increasingly disguising themselves as legitimate digital businesses to exploit vulnerable job seekers.
Authorities say further updates will be provided as investigations progress.
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