The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued four young girls from Akwa Ibom State who were trafficked to Mali and exploited for sexual purposes. This rescue operation was conducted with the Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organisation (GAHTO).
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Mr. Emmanuel Awhen, NAPTIP’s Zonal Commander in Uyo, gave insight into the successful operation. Although dismantling international trafficking networks is difficult, Awhen praised the teamwork that led to the victims’ safe recovery.
“These young women endured severe hardship, but thanks to the swift intervention by NAPTIP and GAHTO, they are now safe and receiving necessary support and counseling for their reintegration into society,” he said.
The breakthrough in the operation came when one of the trafficked girls managed to contact a NAPTIP officer. Awhen explained that the girl had previously obtained the officer’s contact and borrowed a phone to make a distress call, providing information about their situation in Mali.
“Acting on this tip, we coordinated with GAHTO and launched a rescue mission. We brought the girls back to Akwa Ibom, where they are now safe with their families,” he added.
The girls revealed that they had been deceived by traffickers who promised legitimate work in supermarkets and salons, only to find themselves subjected to forced labor and sexual exploitation.
Trafficker Receives 12-Year Sentence
At least one Nigerian human trafficker, Sandra Okon, from Akwa Ibom State, was recently sentenced to 12 years in prison last month by the Boundiali Court in Côte d’Ivoire.
Okon was implicated in recruiting young Nigerian girls and trafficking them to Mali and Côte d’Ivoire under pretenses, with the intent to exploit them for profit.
It is not known if Ms. Okon was directly responsible for the trafficking of the now-rescued four girls from her state.
However, Mr Awhen said Ms Okon’s conviction is significant to the fight against human trafficking, stressing the importance of accountability in deterring trafficking networks.
He also mentioned that the rescued girls reported that over 50 young women – all from Akwa Ibom, are still languishing in Mali in forced labor and prostitution.
Awhen asked parents and community leaders to be vigilant against traffickers who promise lucrative, often non-existent opportunities abroad.
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