NSCDC Busts Human Trafficking Syndicate, Rescues 14 Women Bound for Egypt, Israel
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have intercepted a major human trafficking ring in Abuja, rescuing 14 young women and arresting two suspected members of the syndicate allegedly coordinating their illegal movement to Egypt and Israel.
The breakthrough was recorded after the Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) acted on credible intelligence indicating that the victims were being housed at Odogwu Guest House in Gbesa, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), in preparation for departure through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.
According to the NSCDC, the operatives swiftly mounted surveillance and intercepted a Toyota Sienna vehicle conveying the victims to the airport. The operation led to the arrest of two Nigerian collaborators believed to be working with principal traffickers based in the destination countries.
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Preliminary investigations unveiled the depth of the trafficking scheme. The victims, aged between 19 and 47, included 11 Yoruba, one Igbo, one Igede, and one Isoko woman. Thirteen of them were found with international passports and yellow cards, but none possessed valid entry visas for Egypt or Israel.
The women, who identified themselves as fashion designers, makeup artists, and hairdressers, told investigators they were deceived with promises of lucrative job opportunities abroad. They also confirmed that the arrested suspects served as local facilitators for a wider trafficking network managed from outside the country.
The Corps disclosed that the suspects, crime scene, and all recovered exhibits have been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and prosecution.
Reaffirming its resolve to combat human trafficking, the NSCDC called on the public to continue providing actionable intelligence to support security operations and safeguard citizens.
The statement was signed by CSC Afolabi Babawale Anipr, the National Public Relations Officer at the NSCDC National Headquarters, Abuja.
By PRNigeria
