The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), has dismantled two major human trafficking syndicates operating across the country, rescuing several victims including children, pregnant women, and foreign nationals.
A total of eleven suspects were arrested in connection with the criminal operations across Enugu, Anambra, and Ondo States.
In a coordinated sting operation based on credible intelligence, operatives of the Zone-13 Police Command uncovered a deeply entrenched child trafficking and baby factory network.
The precision-led raid led to the arrest of eight suspects across various locations, including Uzoamaka Ani (27), Joy Madu (52), and Victoria Onodu Akasike (56).
According to police authorities, the suspects confessed to engaging in child theft, abduction, illegal adoption schemes, and the operation of unlicensed medical facilities disguised as maternity homes.
These illicit activities spanned communities in Enugu and Anambra States and primarily targeted vulnerable women and children.
During the operation, law enforcement agents rescued four victims: a seven-month-old infant, a four-year-old child, and two heavily pregnant women.
The women, both from Ebonyi State, were reportedly lured and held in a remote village for the purpose of forced childbirth and sale of their babies.
All rescued victims have since been placed in protective custody and are receiving necessary medical and psychological care.
Meanwhile, the police have launched a manhunt for additional members of the syndicate who managed to flee during the raid.
In a related development, the Ondo State Police Command has cracked a transnational human trafficking syndicate, leading to the rescue of a Ghanaian national, David Angerinya.
The intervention followed a petition from the Interpol Liaison Office at Force Headquarters, Abuja, prompting an urgent investigation.
Acting swiftly, operatives arrested three suspects: Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix, who were discovered to be part of an international trafficking ring. Investigations revealed that the syndicate lured victims from West African countries with false promises of employment and travel documents to destinations such as Canada.
The operation further uncovered 39 additional Ghanaian nationals, many without valid travel papers or holding expired passports, who had been trafficked under similar false pretences.
The victims were found in deteriorating conditions and are currently receiving medical attention.
