The Nigeria Police high command said it has dismantled two major trafficking syndicates operating in different parts of the country, rescued several victims, including children, pregnant women, and foreign nationals, and arrested 11 suspects in coordinated sting operations.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement issued from the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
He commended the bravery and precision of the operatives involved in the operations, which spanned Enugu, Anambra, and Ondo States.
“In one of the operations led by the Zone-13 Police Command, officers acting on credible intelligence launched a targeted sting against a deeply embedded child trafficking and baby factory ring,” he said.
“The operation led to the arrest of eight suspects, including Uzoamaka Ani (27), Joy Madu (52), and Victoria Onodu Akasike (56), who, during interrogation, admitted to being involved in a range of criminal activities, including child abduction, illegal adoption, and running unlicensed medical facilities used as baby factories.”
The syndicate, police said, had operations strategically spread across communities in Enugu and Anambra States.
It noted that victims targeted by the group were often vulnerable women and children, many of whom were held in captivity under dehumanising conditions.
“Among those rescued were a seven-month-old baby, a four-year-old child, and two pregnant women, all discovered in a secluded village,” he said.
“The two expectant mothers, both from Ebonyi State, were reportedly lured and detained for the purpose of forced childbirth, after which their newborns would be sold.
“The victims are now in protective custody, receiving medical and psychological support.”
The police further revealed that the search is ongoing for other members of the syndicate who fled the scene during the operation.
In a separate but related incident in Ondo State, another operation led by the state police command resulted in the rescue of a Ghanaian national, David Angerinya, who had been trafficked into Nigeria under false pretences.
“The operation was prompted by a formal petition from the Interpol Liaison Office at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, requesting urgent action in what was suspected to be a case of transnational human trafficking,” he said.
“Acting swiftly, investigators uncovered a broader international trafficking network and arrested three suspects: Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix.”
Investigations revealed that the trio were part of a criminal syndicate deceiving individuals from neighbouring West African countries with fake promises of jobs and travel visas to destinations such as Canada.
“Many of the victims were tricked into travelling to Nigeria, where they were held in exploitative conditions,” the Police added.
During the raid, police discovered an additional 39 Ghanaian nationals, many of whom were found without valid travel documents or with expired passports.
The victims were reportedly found in dire health conditions and are now undergoing medical treatment.
Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, praised the officers for their swift response and dedication to dismantling trafficking networks across Nigeria.
He reaffirmed the Police Force’s commitment to combating all forms of human trafficking, child exploitation, and cross-border crimes.
The IGP also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police station, stressing that the Force is committed to protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring that perpetrators of these heinous crimes are brought to justice.
“These operations send a strong and clear message: there is no hiding place for human traffickers in Nigeria,” he said.
“The Nigeria Police Force will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt these criminal networks and safeguard the rights and dignity of all individuals within our borders.”
