The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued seven young women from a suspected human trafficking syndicate in Kano.

The Kano Zonal Public Relations Officer of NAPTIP, Mr Mohammed Habib, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Kano.

Habib said the victims, aged between 21 and 24, were rescued during a raid on a hotel in Sabon Gari area of the state on Thursday, following credible intelligence.

“Two suspects were arrested during the operation,” he said.

He explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were trafficked from the southern part of the country, with Kano serving as a transit point before their planned movement to Baghdad, Iraq, for labour exploitation.

According to him, the victims said they were sponsored by a woman identified as the prime suspect, who allegedly worked with a male accomplice currently at large.

“The arrangement required the victims to repay all expenses incurred on them, with profit, after working in the destination country,” Habib said.

He added that the rescued victims are currently in NAPTIP custody in Kano, where they are receiving counselling and rehabilitation.

Habib said the suspects would be prosecuted upon conclusion of investigations.

He reiterated the agency’s commitment to dismantling trafficking networks and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.