The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has arrested a suspect linked to organ harvesting in Akwa Ibom State.
According to The PUNCH, this was revealed during a media briefing in Uyo on Saturday to mark the 2025 National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.
The event, themed “Strengthening Communities by Connecting the Dots,” was organized by the state Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs in partnership with NAPTIP and the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse, and Labour.
Speaking at the briefing, the State Zonal Coordinator of NAPTIP, Mr. Emmanuel Awhen, represented by the agency’s Head of Public Enlightenment, Eme Ukpabio, disclosed that NAPTIP has achieved significant progress in combating human trafficking.
“We have had numerous arrests, but not all cases fall under human trafficking. For cases that are genuine, we detain suspects and proceed with prosecution. Over the past year, we’ve secured more than 60 convictions, including five this year alone,” Awhen said.
On the recent organ harvesting arrest, he explained, “The suspect involved is not an indigene of Akwa Ibom. When we encounter such cases, we refer them to the suspect’s home state for further action while ensuring justice takes its course. Organ harvesting is an alarming issue here, and unfortunately, some clinics in this state are complicit in this trade.”
He added, “With apologies to doctors engaged in legitimate practices, we have evidence that certain clinics and hospitals in Uyo are involved in organ harvesting operations.”
Ambassador Peace Edem, the state Coordinator of NACTAL, emphasized the severe consequences of human trafficking, including emotional and psychological damage.
“Human trafficking takes many forms—sex trafficking, labour trafficking, and organ trafficking, among others. Victims often face physical violence, forced labour, and emotional trauma. It’s crucial to sensitize our communities to prevent individuals from unknowingly falling victim,” Edem urged.
Mrs. Eno Akpan, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, praised the collaboration between NAPTIP and NACTAL in tackling human trafficking. She also commended Governor Umo Eno for establishing the ministry to uphold human dignity.
