Oyo Police Rescue 5 Congolese Nationals from Hotel in Suspected Human Trafficking Case
The Oyo State Police Command has rescued five nationals of the Republic of Congo from a hotel in the state in a suspected human trafficking operation.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
Olayinka said the rescue followed credible intelligence, prompting the Commissioner of Police to direct operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to take immediate action.
The operation led to the successful rescue of the five foreign nationals from the hotel.
The rescued individuals were identified as Bonsaly Mpika Donel, 24; Charles Siloe, 23; Eliane Ruth Makengo, 26; Makota Janie Darcel, 23; and Simba Babeki Elie, 33. All five are citizens of the Republic of Congo.
According to the police spokesperson, preliminary questioning revealed that a man identified as Smith, a national of the Republic of Benin, allegedly lured the victims to Nigeria with promises of better economic opportunities and a more prosperous future.
However, the suspect was reportedly absent from the hotel when police operatives carried out the rescue operation.
“The suspect was not found at the hotel during the operation, and efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend him,” the statement said.
The police added that the rescued individuals received medical attention and underwent medical examinations following their rescue.
The Commissioner of Police subsequently directed that the victims be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Oyo State Command, for further action in line with established procedures.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable persons from exploitation.
It also urged members of the public to provide credible and actionable information that could help identify and apprehend individuals connected to the suspected trafficking operation.
Residents can report relevant information through the Oyo State Call Response Centre’s toll-free line, 615, or contact the Police Command Control Room on 08081768614 and 07055495413.
