Who captured the africans who were sold on the Atlantic slave trade?

Africans who were sold in the Atlantic slave trade were primarily captured by other African groups, including rival tribes or kingdoms, during conflicts, raids, or through the manipulation of local rivalries. European traders facilitated this process by providing weapons, goods, and incentives, encouraging these groups to capture and sell individuals. Additionally, some enslaved people were victims of internal slave systems, where individuals were sold due to debt or punishment. This complex network of local and European involvement contributed to the transatlantic slave trade's operations.