In a major crackdown against human trafficking, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arrested two key suspects believed to be leading a trafficking syndicate operating between Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire.
The suspects, Emmanuel Uzor Igwe (32) and Ugochukwu Christian (30), were picked up at their lavish residence in Lugbe, Abuja, which investigators say doubled as the group’s operational base.
According to a statement released by NAPTIP’s spokesperson, Vincent Adekoye, the arrest was made possible following credible intelligence and the outcry generated by a viral video posted by well-known activist and social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse—popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
In the video, stranded Nigerian victims in Côte d’Ivoire called out the traffickers by name during a conversation with VDM. Moved by their plight, VDM approached NAPTIP’s Abuja headquarters and offered his support to the agency’s efforts.
The operation also led to the rescue of two young women who were allegedly deceived and trafficked. One of them shared her heartbreaking experience, revealing how she was lured with the promise of a well-paying job at a shopping mall in Côte d’Ivoire, only to be taken to a shrine near Abuja to swear an oath.
“We traveled for about three hours from Gwagwalada. They made us swear we’d repay 2.2 million CFA francs for the so-called job,” she said.
NAPTIP’s Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, OON, hailed the arrest as part of a broader mission to dismantle trafficking networks across West Africa.
“This operation is a major win in our campaign against human trafficking,” she stated. “The suspects are part of a cross-border gang, and this arrest sends a strong message to others involved in such crimes.”
Bello also thanked VDM and other partners for their unwavering support, adding, “We are ready to choke the life out of these criminal networks unless they stop.”
Efforts are currently underway to rescue more victims stranded in Côte d’Ivoire, as NAPTIP works closely with both governmental and non-governmental bodies in the region. The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue and prosecution looms.
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