The Nigeria Police Force has Identified two major human trafficking syndicates operating in different parts of the country, rescuing multiple victims and arresting 11 suspects.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, police operatives from the Zone-13 Command conducted a coordinated sting operation targeting a network involved in child trafficking and illegal adoption.
According to Adejobi, the operation, which spanned locations in Enugu and Anambra States, led to the arrest of eight individuals, including Uzoamaka Ani, 27; Joy Madu, 52; and Victoria Onodu Akasike, 56.
“During the raid, officers rescued a seven-month-old baby, a four-year-old child, and two pregnant women who were being held against their will in a remote village,” he stated.
He added that the pregnant victims, both from Ebonyi State, were reportedly lured and detained with the intent to sell their unborn babies after delivery.
“The rescued women and children are now in protective custody and receiving medical attention,” Adejobi said, noting that efforts are ongoing to track down other syndicate members who escaped during the raid.
In a separate operation, the Ondo State Police Command rescued a Ghanaian national, David Angerinya, who had been trafficked into Nigeria under false promises of employment and overseas travel.
The rescue followed a petition from the Interpol Liaison Office at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Three suspects—Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix—were arrested in connection with the case. All three are reportedly part of an international trafficking ring preying on vulnerable West African nationals.
Further investigations revealed that an additional 39 Ghanaians had also fallen victim to the syndicate. Many were discovered without valid travel documents or holding expired passports and were being kept in deplorable conditions. They are now receiving appropriate care.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to fighting human trafficking and transnational crimes, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
“The fight against human trafficking is a collective responsibility. We call on the public to support security agencies by providing timely and accurate information,” Adejobi emphasized.
