The Nigeria Immigration Service’s Lagos Seaports and Marine Command has successfully rescued five individuals suspected of being victims of human trafficking at the Pashi checkpoint in Lagos State. Comptroller Mohammed Saddiq, who heads the command, disclosed during a news conference that the victims were apprehended along with a woman named Mrs. Blessing Anireta, aged 26, who lacked identification or a means of livelihood.
According to preliminary findings, three of the victims were from different Nigerian states and were promised legitimate employment in Mali, Benin Republic, and Cote d’Ivoire. They were deceived into believing this opportunity was genuine, while in reality, they were being trafficked. These individuals, all first-time travelers, were connected to a syndicate member in Lagos who orchestrated their transportation.
Two of the victims, who were traveling with Anireta from Delta State, admitted that they had embarked on the journey without their parents’ knowledge or consent. They were en route to Mali when they were intercepted by immigration personnel at the Pashi checkpoint.
Further investigation revealed that Anireta had intended to engage her companions in prostitution upon reaching their destination. The victims’ ages ranged from 15 to 23 years. Following a session of profiling, they will be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), along with the detained suspects, for further inquiry.