The Lagos State Police Command has dismantled a cross-border child trafficking network that specialised in recruiting and transporting young girls to Ghana for prostitution.
In a statement on Friday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that 11 victims were rescued and four suspects arrested in connection with the operation.
According to Hundeyin, the breakthrough came on August 13, 2025, when operatives of the Ilemba Hausa Division intercepted one of the suspects, identified as Mustapha Abubakar, with a 15-year-old girl who was on the verge of being trafficked.
“The case was, thereafter, transferred to the Special Squad I of the Command, which, supported by actionable intelligence, launched a swift and coordinated manhunt that led to the arrest of Charles Chima ‘m’ aged 54, at Amuwo Odofin, Emmanuel Nwaka ‘m’ aged 36, along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, and Princess John ‘f’ aged 21 at Ojota,” the statement read.
Investigations, Hundeyin disclosed, revealed that the suspects belonged to a criminal network responsible for luring and transporting young women from Nigeria to Ghana for sex work. Further operations led to the rescue of 10 more victims, aged between 21 and 29.
“They are currently in protective custody, receiving care and support, while arrangements are being made to reunite them with their families. The suspects are in custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations,” he added.
The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, commended the operatives for their swift action, reiterating the command’s commitment to tackling human trafficking.
He further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
