The Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has intercepted two separate human trafficking attempts, successfully safeguarding the intended victims from potential exploitation.
This development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, by the command’s public relations officer, Deputy Superintendent of Immigration Onyinye Anene, who confirmed that the thwarted operations occurred in different locations but shared a common goal of trafficking vulnerable young women.
“The first plot was uncovered during an attempt by one Mr. Amala Ihuoma to procure a Nigerian standard passport at the Awka passport office within the command headquarters for the victim, Miss Amumevi Somto, with the promise of having secured a domestic job for her in Egypt.”
A second case emerged on Sunday, May 11, 2025, after the Anambra branch of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse, and Labour (NACTAL) provided a tip-off. This alert implicated a suspected recruiter, Miss Uchenna Adaobi, who was reportedly arranging to move Miss Uzo Chineme to Lagos State to sexually exploit her.
“The unsuspecting victim had been lured from Enugu State, where she resided, and had been warned not to disclose her whereabouts or intentions to travel to anyone, including her parents or previous employer at Enugu,” Anene added.
Following swift intervention, both victims—Miss Somto and Miss Chineme—were rescued from the clutches of their traffickers.
Authorities have since transferred both cases to the Anambra command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for comprehensive investigation and potential legal proceedings.
Comptroller GN Nzeribe reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Immigration Service to promoting safe and orderly migration, in accordance with its mandate, and commended the cooperation between law enforcement and civil society in combating trafficking activities.
