Authorities in northern Nigeria have rescued 12 women from an alleged human trafficking ring, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) announced on Monday.
The women, aged between 15 and 50, were intercepted in Kano while attempting to travel through Ghana en route to Saudi Arabia, where they were reportedly destined for labour exploitation.
Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Abdullahi Babale, said the victims came from five northern states and were deceived by traffickers with false promises of employment. He confirmed that one man, Mohammed Saleh, 45, had been arrested in connection with the case, and investigations are continuing to apprehend others.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Kano State Hisbah Board. Babale praised the support of local authorities, adding that the agency would provide rehabilitation and counselling services for the rescued women before reuniting them with their families.
He appealed to parents and communities to remain alert, stressing that traffickers prey on vulnerable citizens by exploiting economic hardship. “We urge the public to report suspicious activities linked to human trafficking so that lives can be protected,” Babale said.
