The Nigeria Police Force has dismantled two major human trafficking syndicates operating across the country, arresting 11 suspects and rescuing several victims, including children, pregnant women, and foreign nationals.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Zone-13 Police Command carried out a coordinated sting operation targeting a well-established child trafficking and baby factory network.
The operation led to the arrest of eight suspects in Enugu and Anambra States, including Uzoamaka Ani (27), Joy Madu (52), and Victoria Onodu Akasike (56).
During interrogation, the suspects confessed to involvement in child theft, abduction, illegal adoption schemes, and the operation of unlicensed medical facilities acting as baby factories.
Their activities allegedly focused on exploiting vulnerable women and children for profit.Police also rescued a seven-month-old baby, a four-year-old child, and two heavily pregnant women during the operation.
The two women, said to be from Ebonyi State, were allegedly lured and held for the purpose of forced childbirth and the sale of their newborns.
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Authorities confirmed that the rescue operation was executed without harm, and the victims are now in safe custody receiving medical care.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend additional members of the syndicate who escaped during the raid.
In a separate operation, the Ondo State Police Command rescued a Ghanaian national, David Angerinya, who was trafficked into Nigeria under false pretences.
The operation followed a petition from the Interpol Liaison Office at Force Headquarters, Abuja, which raised concerns over a suspected transnational trafficking case.
Police arrested three suspects—Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix—linked to an international trafficking ring.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate specialised in deceiving individuals from West African countries with fraudulent promises of jobs and travel visas to countries like Canada.
Authorities also discovered 39 other Ghanaian nationals who had been trafficked by the group.
Many lacked valid travel documents, while others presented expired passports, highlighting the extent of their exploitation. The victims were found in distress and are currently receiving medical attention.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the operatives involved for their bravery and reaffirmed the force’s commitment to combating human trafficking, child exploitation, and transnational crimes.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its duty to protect the vulnerable and bring perpetrators to justice,” said Egbetokun.
He urged members of the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or command.
