•The victims
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has announced the rescue of seven young women from a suspected human trafficking ring following a raid on a hotel in Sabon Gari area of Kano State.
The raid was carried out by the Kano Zonal Command of the agency, after acting on credible intelligence, reports Daily Trust.
According to NAPTIP Zonal Public Relations Officer in Kano, Mohammed Habib, their operatives stormed the hotel yesterday and freed the victims, aged between 21 and 24.
Two suspects were also arrested during the operation.
Habib said investigations revealed that the victims were trafficked from the southern part of the country, with Kano being used as a transit point before onward movement to Baghdad in Iraq for labour exploitation.
According to NAPTIP officials, the victims disclosed that they were sponsored by a woman identified as the prime suspect, working in connivance with a man who is currently at large.
The arrangement required them to repay all expenses incurred, with profit, after working in the destination country.
The rescued victims, according to the PRO, are currently under NAPTIP custody in Kano, where they are receiving counselling and rehabilitation.
The zonal command spokesperson said upon completion of investigations, the suspects would be prosecuted.
The agency reiterated its commitment to dismantling trafficking networks and urged communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
