Zamfara Government Receives 52 Trafficking Survivors

Trafficking Victims Rescued and Reunited with Authorities

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has transferred 52 individuals, suspected to be victims of human trafficking, to the Zamfara State Government. These individuals, hailing from Anka and Talata-Mafara Local Government Areas, were intercepted by Nigerian Army troops while en route to Abuja for mining work.

Following their interception, the suspects were handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for investigation. After a three-day inquiry, the DSS transferred them to NAPTIP, which subsequently returned them to Zamfara State. The alleged organizer of the operation, identified as Bilyaminu, remains in DSS custody for further investigation.

Upon their return, the Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Substance Abuse Control and Prohibition of Human Trafficking Agency, Ishaq Anka, expressed concern over the victims’ condition, noting they appeared unkempt, hungry, and desperate for survival. Anka highlighted that the victims were lured with promises of paid labor, reflecting a tactic commonly used by traffickers to exploit vulnerable individuals.

The Zamfara State Government has officially handed over the victims to the respective local government chairmen to facilitate their reintegration with their families.