The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has handed over 52 suspected victims of human trafficking to the Zamfara State Government after they were intercepted on their way to Abuja for mining work. The individuals, from Anka and Talata-Mafara local government areas, were arrested by the Nigerian Army and transferred to the Department of State Services (DSS) for investigation. The suspected trafficker, identified as Bilyaminu, remains in DSS custody.
Ishaq Anka, Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Substance Abuse Control and Prohibition of Human Trafficking Agency, explained that the victims were lured with promises of paid labor. He expressed sympathy for their condition, noting that they were provided only with one meal a day during the fasting period.
After a three-day investigation, the victims were handed over to NAPTIP, which then coordinated their return to the state government. One of the victims, Hamza Shuaibu, defended Bilyaminu, claiming he was merely trying to help them find work, and appealed for his release.
The Zamfara State Government has warned residents, particularly in rural areas, to avoid falling for false promises of better opportunities.