Nigeria intensifies crackdown on human trafficking with trials and rescues

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) reported that seven individuals are on trial in Gombe State for baby‑trafficking offences, while two others have already been convicted and sentenced. Gombe State commander Aminu Shira said investigations uncovered the involvement of some compromised health‑care workers and social‑welfare officials who allegedly helped move infants for sale. NAPTIP said it is stepping up intelligence, arrests and prosecutions to dismantle trafficking networks.

In Delta State, police rescued a 25‑year‑old Nigerian woman who had been trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire under the promise of vocational training and forced into prostitution. The suspect, identified as Ese Isiorho, was arrested by the Effurun area command. Police spokesperson Bright Edafe said a second victim remains in Côte d’Ivoire and efforts to retrieve her continue. Delta State Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi praised the operation and urged the public to report suspicious recruitment schemes.