The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons NAPTIP has uncovered a suspected human trafficking syndicate allegedly operating under the guise of an online marketing company in Nasarawa State, rescuing 15 victims, including several foreign nationals, during a coordinated raid.
The agency said the operation was carried out in Keffi and Karu Local Government Areas of the state following intelligence reports linking the firm to suspicious recruitment activities, cyber-related exploitation, and organised criminal operations.
According to NAPTIP, officers from its Investigation Department and the Intelligence and International Cooperation Unit conducted the raid on May 7, 2026, between 4:45 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Preliminary investigations revealed that 15 persons were found at the location, including four female victims and 11 male victims.
Among the male victims, three were identified as Nigerians, while the remaining victims were said to be foreign nationals allegedly lured into the operation under questionable circumstances.
NAPTIP disclosed that the suspects allegedly used the platform of an online marketing company to recruit and harbour unsuspecting individuals in what investigators believe may be linked to human trafficking, forced exploitation, and other organised criminal activities.
“Behind the promise of ‘online jobs’ was a suspected human trafficking network operating in Nasarawa State,” the agency stated.
The agency warned that criminal syndicates are increasingly disguising illegal trafficking operations as legitimate employment and digital business opportunities to deceive vulnerable persons searching for jobs and financial opportunities.
According to NAPTIP, the deceptive tactics used by the suspected traffickers raise serious humanitarian and security concerns because victims are often exposed to exploitation and abuse.
“The development represents a growing and dangerous trend in trafficking operations where criminal groups hide under seemingly legitimate businesses to lure unsuspecting victims,” the agency added.
NAPTIP said investigations were ongoing to uncover the full scope of the suspected trafficking network and identify other collaborators connected to the operation.
The agency also urged Nigerians and residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious recruitment drives, fake online job offers, and unusual movements within their communities to security authorities.
Human trafficking and cyber-related exploitation have continued to pose serious challenges in Nigeria, with authorities repeatedly warning young Nigerians and foreign nationals against falling prey to fraudulent employment schemes often used by criminal syndicates for forced labour and other illicit activities.
