The Nigeria Police Force has successfully dismantled two major human trafficking syndicates operating across multiple states, rescuing several victims—including children, pregnant women, and foreign nationals.
A total of 11 suspects were arrested in connection with the operations.
According to a statement released on Monday by Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, the coordinated crackdowns were led by operatives from Zone 13 Police Command and Ondo State Police Command. The operations targeted criminal enterprises involved in child trafficking, illegal adoption, and transnational human smuggling.
In the Southeast, officers of Zone 13 conducted a precision-led sting operation, which exposed a deeply rooted baby factory and trafficking network. The raid resulted in the arrest of eight suspects, including Ms. Uzoamaka Ani (27), Mrs. Joy Madu (52), and Mrs. Victoria Akasike (56). The suspects reportedly confessed to participating in child theft, illegal adoption schemes, and the running of unlicensed medical facilities in Enugu and Anambra States.
The Police reiterated their commitment to curbing crimes that undermine human dignity and security, urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.
In a separate development, Adejobi disclosed that the Ondo State Police Command had successfully rescued a Ghanaian national, David Angerinya, who was a victim of human trafficking. The rescue followed a petition received from the Interpol Liaison Office in Abuja.
Acting on the intelligence provided, officers apprehended three suspects — Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix — who are believed to be members of an international human trafficking syndicate.
According to Adejobi, the suspects allegedly enticed their victims from Ghana with false promises of employment opportunities and visas to countries such as Canada. During the operation, the police also discovered an additional 39 Ghanaian nationals being held in the traffickers’ custody.
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