The Nigeria Police Force has dismantled two major human trafficking syndicates operating across Enugu, Anambra, and Ondo states, arresting 11 suspects and rescuing multiple victims, including children, pregnant women, and foreign nationals.
In a bold and coordinated crackdown, police operatives carried out intelligence-led operations that exposed deeply entrenched networks involved in child theft, illegal adoption, and transnational human trafficking.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed this in a statement issued in Enugu on Monday, noting that operatives from the Zone-13 Police Zonal Command in Ukpo recently launched a precision-led sting operation following credible intelligence.
According to Adejobi, eight suspects were arrested from various locations in Enugu and Anambra States. Those apprehended include Uzoamaka Ani, 27; Joy Madu, 52; and Victoria Akasike, 56.
“During interrogation, these individuals confessed to active involvement in child theft, abduction, illegal adoption schemes and the operation of unlicensed medical facilities functioning as baby factories,” Adejobi said.
He added: “Their criminal activities were strategically spread across Enugu and Anambra States, targeting vulnerable women and children for exploitation and sale.”
Among the rescued victims were a seven-month-old baby, a four-year-old child, and two heavily pregnant women, all held captive in a remote village. The pregnant women, reportedly from Ebonyi State, were allegedly lured and detained with the intent of selling their newborns after delivery.
“The rescue was swift and executed without harm to the victims, who are now in safe custody and receiving necessary care,” Adejobi stated.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.
In a related development, police in Ondo State rescued a Ghanaian national, David Angerinya, who was trafficked into Nigeria under false pretences. The operation followed a formal petition from the Interpol Liaison Office at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, prompting urgent police intervention in what was suspected to be a case of transnational human trafficking.
Acting swiftly, the police arrested three suspects — Hayford Nyamekye, Alex Awine, and Felix Kojo — believed to be part of an international trafficking ring.
“Investigations revealed that these suspects are part of a wider international trafficking syndicate that specialises in deceiving individuals, particularly from neighbouring West African countries, with fake promises of employment and travel visas to countries like Canada,” Adejobi disclosed.
He further said that during the operation, 39 additional Ghanaian nationals were discovered to have been victimized by the group.
“Many of them lacked valid travel documentation, while those in possession of passports presented expired papers, further underscoring the depth of exploitation. The victims were found in distressing conditions and are currently undergoing medical treatment,” he added.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has commended the gallantry of all police operatives involved in the successful operations.
