The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has successfully rescued seven women from an alleged human trafficking operation, following a targeted raid in Sabon Gari, Kano State.
The victims, aged between 21 and 24, were reportedly being prepared for trafficking to Iraq, authorities said.
Operatives from NAPTIP’s Kano Zonal Command carried out the rescue operation on Thursday, February 12, 2026, acting on credible intelligence.
The agency explained that the operation was part of its ongoing efforts to disrupt human trafficking networks in northern Nigeria, which have been increasingly used as transit points for victims destined for international exploitation.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the rescued women were recruited from southern Nigeria before being transported to Kano.
Authorities believe Kano was intended as a temporary transit hub prior to their planned travel to Baghdad, Iraq, where they were likely to be subjected to forced labor.
“The victims were being moved under false pretenses and could have faced severe exploitation abroad,” said Mohammed Habib, NAPTIP’s Public Relations Officer in Kano.
Statements from the rescued women identified a female suspect as the ringleader of the operation.
She was reported to have coordinated the travel arrangements with a male accomplice, who remains at large.
Investigators disclosed that the victims were allegedly expected to repay all travel expenses incurred, along with additional profit margins, upon reaching their final destination.
This arrangement, according to NAPTIP, is a common tactic used by traffickers to trap and control victims.
During the operation, two suspects linked to the trafficking scheme were arrested. NAPTIP has confirmed that the suspects will be prosecuted after the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
Law enforcement continues to search for the remaining accomplice, highlighting the agency’s determination to dismantle the entire trafficking network.
The rescued women are currently in NAPTIP’s custody in Kano, where they are receiving comprehensive care, including counselling, medical support, and rehabilitation services.
NAPTIP officials stressed the importance of these interventions in helping the victims recover from the physical and psychological trauma of trafficking.
The agency also works to reintegrate rescued individuals into society safely and provide guidance to prevent re-victimization.
“NAPTIP remains committed to preventing human trafficking and protecting vulnerable citizens from exploitation,” Habib said.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activities, and support efforts to eradicate trafficking networks.
Community awareness, he noted, is a crucial component in combating human trafficking at both local and national levels.
Human trafficking remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, with victims often lured by promises of employment, education, or better opportunities abroad.
Criminal networks exploit these vulnerabilities, targeting women and young girls from disadvantaged regions.
According to NAPTIP, successful rescues like the recent Kano operation highlight the critical role of intelligence gathering, proactive investigations, and coordinated raids in stopping trafficking before victims are taken across borders.
Experts say that northern Nigeria has increasingly been used as a transit corridor for trafficked persons, making operations such as this vital.
NAPTIP has intensified surveillance and community outreach programs to identify potential victims early and disrupt the financial and logistical structures that traffickers rely on.
In addition to rescue and prosecution, NAPTIP places strong emphasis on rehabilitation.
The agency’s counselling programs focus on trauma recovery, vocational training, and reintegration support. These measures aim to provide survivors with tools to rebuild their lives and reduce the likelihood of re-trafficking.
Authorities believe that empowering victims through education and skills development is essential in breaking the cycle of exploitation.
This latest operation reinforces NAPTIP’s dedication to combating human trafficking both within Nigeria and internationally.
By targeting key nodes in trafficking networks, the agency hopes to prevent future incidents and send a strong message to traffickers that such crimes will not go unpunished.
Members of the public are encouraged to assist law enforcement agencies by providing information on suspected trafficking activities.
NAPTIP has reiterated that reporting suspicious movements, recruitment schemes, or unusual travel arrangements can save lives and bring traffickers to justice.
Collaborative efforts between government authorities, local communities, and civil society organizations are critical in addressing the complex challenges posed by human trafficking.
The Kano operation marks one of several recent successes for NAPTIP in northern Nigeria, demonstrating the agency’s effectiveness in curbing illegal human trafficking activities.
Officials say that continued vigilance, public cooperation, and robust legal enforcement are key to ensuring that traffickers face accountability while vulnerable individuals receive protection and support.
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