Nigeria Police Rescue Child Trafficking Victims, Apprehend 11 Suspects in Coordinated Raids Across Three States
The Nigeria Police Force has successfully dismantled two major transnational child trafficking networks operating within the country, rescuing multiple victims — including children, pregnant women, and 40 foreign nationals.
The Force disclosed that no fewer than eleven suspected child traffickers were apprehended across two states during a meticulously coordinated operation designed to disrupt and dismantle organised human trafficking groups operating within Nigeria.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the operation was carried out by operatives of the Zone-13 Police Command, following credible intelligence reports.
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“Acting swiftly on actionable intelligence, the Zone-13 Command executed a precision-led sting operation targeting an entrenched child trafficking and illegal baby factory network,” Adejobi stated.
The operation led to the arrest of eight suspects from various locations, including:
Uzoamaka Ani, 27
Joy Madu, 52
Victoria Onodu Akasike, 56
During interrogation, the suspects confessed to involvement in child abduction, illegal adoption rackets, and running unlicensed medical centres functioning as baby factories. The criminal network was said to be deeply rooted in Enugu and Anambra States, preying on vulnerable women and children for exploitation.
Among the rescued victims were a seven-month-old infant, a four-year-old child, and two heavily pregnant women, all discovered in captivity within a remote community.
The pregnant victims, both indigenes of Ebonyi State, revealed they had been lured and detained for forced childbirth, with plans to sell their newborns upon delivery. The rescue operation was executed without casualties, and all victims are now safe and receiving appropriate medical care and psychological support.
Adejobi further disclosed that efforts are ongoing to track down other syndicate members who fled during the operation.
In a related operation, operatives of the Ondo State Police Command also rescued a Ghanaian national, David Angerinya, who had been trafficked into Nigeria under false pretenses.
The operation was triggered by a formal petition from the Interpol Liaison Office at Force Headquarters, Abuja, seeking immediate police intervention in a suspected case of transnational human trafficking.
“Acting promptly, officers initiated a focused investigation, which led to the arrest of three suspects — Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix,” Adejobi stated.
Nigeria Police . Investigations revealed the suspects were part of a larger international trafficking syndicate, notorious for deceiving unsuspecting individuals, particularly from West African countries, with fake promises of employment and visa procurement for destinations like Canada.
Nigeria Police . During the operation, an additional thirty-nine Ghanaian nationals were discovered as victims of the same criminal network. Many of them lacked valid travel documents, while others held expired passports, exposing the widespread exploitation.
All rescued victims were found in extremely poor conditions and are currently receiving medical attention.
Nigeria Police . Commending the bravery and professionalism of the operatives involved, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to combating all forms of human trafficking, child exploitation, and transnational organised crimes within and beyond the country’s borders.
