By Victor Akan
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arrested a suspect linked to organ harvesting in Akwa Ibom State.
This disclosure was made by Mr. Emmanuel Awhen, the State Zonal Coordinator, during a media briefing to commemorate the 2025 National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Uyo, the state capital.
Represented by the Head of Public Enlightenment, Eme Ukpabio, Mr. Awhen said that the suspect, who was not an indigene of Akwa Ibom, was part of a growing syndycate of organ harvesters in the state.
He stated, “Organ harvesting has become a booming trade here. Some clinics and hospitals, under the guise of legitimate medical practice, are involved in this illicit business.”
NAPTIP said it had secured over 60 convictions related to human trafficking, with more than 15 cases pending in court.
The event was organized in collaboration with the state Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour.
Ambassador Peace Edem, the state Coordinator of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour, underscored the importance of community sensitization to combat human trafficking.
He warned of the physical, emotional, and psychological dangers associated with trafficking and called for continuous efforts to educate the public.
The event, themed “Strengthening Communities by Connecting the Dots,” aimed to raise awareness about the various forms of human trafficking, including sex trafficking, labour trafficking, and organ trafficking.
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