In a major crackdown on human trafficking, the Nigeria Police Force has successfully dismantled two notorious trafficking syndicates operating across multiple states, arresting 11 suspects and rescuing several victims.
The coordinated operation, carried out by operatives from the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance. According to the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the syndicates were involved in the illegal recruitment and transportation of young women and minors for exploitation both within and outside Nigeria.
The suspects were arrested in various sting operations conducted simultaneously in Lagos, Edo, Kano, and Cross River states. Preliminary investigations revealed that the two syndicates had well-established networks that spanned across national borders, with links to trafficking rings in North Africa and parts of Europe.
Among those rescued were teenage girls and young women, some of whom were lured with fake promises of employment, education, or marriage abroad. The victims, visibly traumatized, are now receiving medical care and psychosocial support in protective custody, pending reunification with their families.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Saturday, ACP Adejobi stated:
“This successful operation underscores the commitment of the Nigeria Police to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable members of society. The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.”
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has praised the operatives for their professionalism and urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. He also reaffirmed the Force’s dedication to supporting the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and other stakeholders in the ongoing war against human trafficking.
The arrests mark a significant breakthrough in the fight against one of Nigeria’s most challenging human rights violations, as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle trafficking networks and protect the nation’s most at-risk populations.
