Police Dismantle Two Human Trafficking Syndicates, Arrest 11, Rescue Children, Pregnant Women, Ghanaian Victims
Police Dismantle Two Human Trafficking Syndicates, Arrest 11, Rescue Children, Pregnant Women, Ghanaian Victims
In a major breakthrough in the fight against human trafficking, the Nigeria Police Force has smashed two major trafficking syndicates operating across Nigeria, arresting 11 suspects and rescuing multiple victims, including children, pregnant women, and foreign nationals.
According to a press release dated July 14, 2025, and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the operations were conducted by officers from Zone-13 Command and the Ondo State Police Command.
The first operation, based on credible intelligence, targeted a child trafficking and baby factory ring with deep roots in Enugu and Anambra States. The police arrested eight suspects, including Uzoamaka Ani (27), Joy Madu (52), and Victoria Onodu Akasike (56). During interrogation, they confessed to involvement in child theft, abduction, illegal adoptions, and operating unlicensed medical facilities used as baby factories.
“Their criminal activities were strategically spread across Enugu and Anambra States, targeting vulnerable women and children for exploitation and sale,” the statement said.
Rescued victims include a seven-month-old baby, a four-year-old child, and two heavily pregnant women held in a remote village. The women, both from Ebonyi State, were reportedly lured and held to deliver babies that would later be sold. The operation was carried out without any harm to the victims, who are now in safe custody and receiving appropriate care. The police are intensifying efforts to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate.
In a separate operation in Ondo State, police 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.
Three suspects — Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix — were arrested. The investigation uncovered a wider international syndicate luring West Africans with promises of jobs and visas to countries like Canada.
“An additional 39 Ghanaian nationals were discovered to have fallen victim to the same group. Many lacked valid travel documents, while those with passports had expired ones,” the statement added.
The victims were found in poor conditions and are receiving medical attention.
Commending the operatives involved, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, hailed the operations as a testament to the Force’s commitment to dismantling trafficking networks and protecting the vulnerable.
“These successful operations underscore our firm stance against all forms of human trafficking, child exploitation, and transnational crimes,” Egbetokun said.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station, assuring that the Force remains resolute in bringing traffickers to justice.
“The message is clear: such crimes will not be tolerated under any guise,” the IGP concluded
