
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has announced the arrest of a suspect involved in organ harvesting in Akwa Ibom State.
This development was disclosed by Mr. Emmanuel Awhen, the State Zonal Coordinator, during a media briefing held in Uyo, the state capital, to mark the 2025 National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.
Represented by the Head of Public Enlightenment, Eme Ukpabio, Mr. Awhen revealed that the suspect, who is not a native of Akwa Ibom, is part of an alarming rise in organ harvesting activities within 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.”
During the briefing, NAPTIP highlighted its achievements, noting that it has secured over 60 convictions related to human trafficking, with more than 15 cases currently pending in court. The event was organized in partnership with the state Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse, and Labour (NACTAL).
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Ambassador Peace Edem, the state Coordinator of NACTAL, emphasized the critical need for community awareness to combat human trafficking. She warned about the physical, emotional, and psychological dangers of trafficking and stressed the importance of continuous public education to address these issues.
The event, themed “Strengthening Communities by Connecting the Dots,” aimed to raise awareness about the various forms of human trafficking, including sex trafficking, labor exploitation, and organ harvesting.