Nigeria Police Dismantle Two Human Trafficking Syndicates, Arrest 11 Suspects and Rescue Multiple Victims
In a decisive move against organised human trafficking, the Nigeria Police Force has successfully crushed two major trafficking syndicates operating in Enugu, Anambra, and Ondo States, arresting 11 suspects and rescuing several victims, including children, pregnant women, and foreign nationals.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives from Zone-13 Police Command launched a sting operation targeting a well-established child trafficking and baby factory ring. Eight suspects were arrested from different locations, including Uzoamaka Ani (27), Joy Madu (52), and Victoria Onodu Akasike (56), who confessed to crimes involving child theft, illegal adoption, and operating unlicensed facilities as baby factories.
Among the victims rescued were a seven-month-old baby, a four-year-old child, and two pregnant women from Ebonyi State, reportedly held captive for forced births and illegal sale of their babies. The rescue was conducted safely, and the victims are now receiving appropriate care while police intensify efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.
In a related development, operatives of the Ondo State Police Command rescued a Ghanaian national, David Angerinya, trafficked into Nigeria under false pretences. The operation, triggered by a petition from INTERPOL’s Liaison Office in Abuja, led to the arrest of three suspected traffickers: Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix. Investigations uncovered a broader transnational trafficking network deceiving West Africans with fake promises of jobs and travel to countries like Canada.
During the raid, police discovered 39 other Ghanaian victims living in harsh conditions without valid travel documents. Medical care is currently being provided to all rescued individuals.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, lauded the efforts of all officers involved in the operations, reaffirming the Nigeria Police Force’s zero tolerance for human trafficking and child exploitation. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police authority. The Force reiterated its commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and ensuring perpetrators face the full weight of the law.
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