An interception by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Abuja led to the rescue of 10 individuals suspected to be victims of human trafficking, who were allegedly being prepared for illegal migration overseas.
Acting on a tip-off, officers from the FCT Command of the NSCDC apprehended the victims at Zuba motor park in Abuja upon their return from Minna, Niger State, where they had reportedly gone to process their international passports as instructed by their sponsor.
These victims, consisting of one male and nine females aged between 24 and 34, all claimed to hail from Ondo State.
Reports indicate that each of the victims had paid N80,000 to facilitate the acquisition of their international passports.
In a statement released on Monday by Samuel Idoko, the spokesperson for the FCT Command of NSCDC, the intercepted individuals revealed that they had been promised opportunities for employment abroad, particularly in North Africa and Canada, by an unidentified sponsor believed to reside in Okitipupa, Ondo State.
Upon transferring the 10 suspected victims to the Nigeria Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu cautioned Nigerians about the perils of undocumented migration.
Odumosu emphasized, “Exercise caution when approached by individuals promising a brighter future abroad. Avoid desperation, as some of these schemes may lead to irreparable harm, exploitation, or coercion into illicit activities.”
He continued, “If international travel is necessary, ensure you adhere to the proper procedures to safeguard your well-being. Do not fall prey to unscrupulous elements who may confiscate your travel documents and subject you to unfavorable terms against your will.”
Elaborating further, the Commandant indicated that the victims had been transferred to NAPTIP for further inquiry and lawful proceedings related to human trafficking.