The Nigeria Police Force has successfully dismantled two significant human trafficking rings operating in Enugu, Anambra, and Ondo States, leading to the arrest of eleven suspects and the rescue of numerous victims, including children, pregnant women, and foreign nationals.
The Force’s Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, announced on Monday that the operations were based on credible intelligence and executed with precision by officers from the Zone-13 Police Command and Ondo State Command.
Child Trafficking Network Busted in Enugu and Anambra
A major breakthrough came when police conducted a sting operation targeting a well-established baby factory network across Enugu and Anambra States. This led to the arrest of eight individuals, among them Uzoamaka Ani (27), Joy Madu (52), and Victoria Onodu Akasike (56).
During interrogation, the suspects admitted involvement in child theft, abduction, illegal adoption, and operating unlicensed medical facilities that served as baby factories.
Victims rescued include a seven-month-old infant, a four-year-old child, and two heavily pregnant women from Ebonyi State, believed to have been deceived and held for forced births with the intent to sell their babies.
The police confirmed that all rescued victims are now safe and receiving the necessary medical and psychological care, while efforts continue to track down other members of the syndicate who remain at large.
Transnational Human Trafficking Cell Exposed in Ondo
In a separate operation prompted by a petition from the Interpol Liaison Office at Force Headquarters in Abuja, the Ondo State Police Command rescued David Angerinya, a Ghanaian national trafficked into Nigeria under false pretences.
This operation also led to the arrest of three suspects — Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix — connected to a larger international human trafficking network.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate specialized in luring West African nationals with fake promises of employment and travel visas to countries like Canada. The police also uncovered 39 Ghanaian nationals trapped by the group, many without valid documentation or holding expired passports. The victims were found in poor conditions and are now receiving medical attention.
IGP Praises Police for Courage and Professionalism
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun praised the courage and professionalism of the officers involved in these operations. He reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to eradicating human trafficking, child exploitation, and cross-border crimes.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains dedicated to protecting vulnerable individuals and bringing criminals to justice,” the IGP said, urging the public to stay alert and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
“These successful operations send a strong message that such heinous crimes will not be tolerated in any form,” he added.
