Abuja, July 14, 2025 — In a breakthrough against human trafficking, the Nigeria Police Force has dismantled two notorious trafficking syndicates operating across multiple states, rescuing several victims — including children, pregnant women, and foreign nationals — and arresting eleven suspects in coordinated operations carried out in Enugu, Anambra, and Ondo States.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the first operation, led by operatives of Zone-13 Police Command, followed actionable intelligence which uncovered a deeply entrenched child trafficking and illegal baby factory network. The precision-led sting led to the arrest of eight suspects from different locations, including Uzoamaka Ani (27), Joy Madu (52), and Victoria Onodu Akasike (56), all of whom confessed to involvement in child theft, abduction, illegal adoption, and unlicensed medical practices used to conceal their operations.
Victims rescued during the operation include a seven-month-old baby, a four-year-old child, and two pregnant women, all held captive in a remote village. The women, identified as indigenes of Ebonyi State, were reportedly lured under false pretences and held for forced delivery and sale of their babies. Police confirmed that all victims were rescued without harm and are now receiving appropriate medical and psychological care in protective custody.
In a separate but related development, the Ondo State Police Command, acting on a petition from the Interpol Liaison Office at Force Headquarters, Abuja, rescued a Ghanaian national, David Angerinya, trafficked into Nigeria under the guise of overseas employment. Three suspects — Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix — were arrested during the operation, which uncovered a broader transnational trafficking syndicate targeting individuals from West African nations with false promises of travel visas and employment opportunities abroad.
Further investigations revealed that 39 other Ghanaian nationals were victims of the same scheme. Many of them lacked proper travel documentation, while others had expired passports. They were discovered in deplorable conditions and are currently receiving medical attention and consular support.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, praised the swift and courageous actions of all officers involved in the operations, reaffirming the Nigeria Police Force’s zero tolerance for human trafficking, child exploitation, and transnational crimes. He urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies to strengthen the fight against such heinous acts.
“These operations underscore our unyielding commitment to dismantling trafficking networks and protecting the vulnerable. We will continue to pursue every lead and bring every perpetrator to justice,” the IGP said.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its call for continued public cooperation in identifying and reporting trafficking-related activities as it intensifies efforts to ensure the safety and dignity of every individual across the country.
