The Nigeria Police Force has dismantled two major human trafficking syndicates operating in different parts of the country, rescuing multiple victims and arresting eleven suspects.
Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi said in a statement that during a coordinated sting operation, operatives of Zone-13 Police Command targeted a syndicate engaged in child trafficking and illegal adoption.
Adejobi said the operation, which covered locations across Enugu and Anambra States, led to the arrest of eight individuals, including Uzoamaka Ani, aged 27; Joy Madu, 52; and Victoria Onodu Akasike, 56.
He said those rescued during the operation were 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.
According to the police spokesman, the women, both from Ebonyi State, were reportedly lured and detained for the purpose of selling their unborn children after delivery.
Adejobi said the victims are now in protective custody and receiving medical attention, while efforts are underway to track down other members of the syndicate who escaped during the raid.
The statement went on to say that in a separate operation, Ondo State Police Command rescued a Ghanaian national, David Angerinya, who was trafficked into Nigeria under false promises of employment and overseas travel.
The Force spokesman disclosed that the operation followed a petition from the Interpol Liaison Office at Force Headquarters in Abuja.
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Three suspects, Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix were arrested in connection with the case and are all linked to an international trafficking ring targeting vulnerable West African nationals.
Investigations uncovered an additional 39 Ghanaians who had also fallen victim to the syndicate.
Many were found without valid travel documents or with expired passports and were being held in poor conditions but are currently receiving care.
The Nigeria Police says the operations highlight its ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and transnational crime and urged members of the public to report suspicious activities and continue supporting security agencies in the fight against criminal networks.
(Editor: Okechukwu Eze)
