TheCable

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says it has received some Liberians rescued from “human traffickers” in Kano.

Abdullahi Babale, Kano commander of the agency, announced the development on Tuesday.

Babale said the victims, comprising five females and four males, were rescued in Kano by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

“Our investigation revealed that their journey was influenced by someone, who once travelled to Agadez, Niger Republic, and received an empowerment package from the International Organisation for Migration,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“The person illegally facilitated the trip for the victims, to also receive the same empowerment package in Agadez, and return to Liberia.”

Babale added that the agency also rescued six Nigerian victims in the state.

According to him, the victims were rescued at Kwanar Madugu in Ungogo LGA on their way to Libya.

He also said a suspect was arrested for arranging the trip.

“Our preliminary investigation revealed that they are all indigenes of Edo, on their way to Libya for exploitative labour,” Babale said.

He added that investigation had begun to ensure the prosecution of the suspect, while arrangements are ongoing to return the victims to their home state.