Authorities in Lagos have dismantled a syndicate accused of trafficking young girls from Nigeria to Mauritania for sexual exploitation.
The suspects were apprehended by operatives from the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, following an intelligence-driven operation.
According to a statement released by the Zonal Public Relations Officer (ZPRO), CSP Umma Ayuba, the operation took place on March 22 at the command’s base in the Meiran area of Lagos.
Officers from the Zonal Intelligence Response Squad, led by SP Francis Kpoughul, successfully arrested two individuals linked to the illicit trade.
“The suspects have confessed to the crime,” Ayuba disclosed.
Investigations revealed that the first suspect was recruited by a Mauritania-based woman, herself previously convicted of human trafficking. The suspect admitted to being tasked with recruiting girls under the age of 22 for prostitution in Mauritania.
In exchange, she received a commission of ₦50,000 per girl. Shockingly, among her recruits was her 19-year-old daughter.
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Over time, she reportedly earned more than ₦500,000 from her illegal activities.
The second suspect, Ayuba stated, had initially been recruited to send girls for domestic work in Mauritania.
However, she later realized that the true intent was sexual exploitation. “She claimed she withdrew from the operation upon discovering the sinister nature of the business,” Ayuba noted. “She also stated that the only girl she sent to the first suspect was rejected due to her age and body size.”
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of the inquiry.
This arrest highlights the ongoing fight against human trafficking, a crime that continues to exploit vulnerable individuals.
The police urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to curb the menace.