The Osun State Police Command on Thursday said it had rescued 15 youths suspected to be victims of a human trafficking syndicate and arrested one suspect in connection with the crime.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, and obtained in Osogbo, the command said the victims were rescued from a house where they had been camped by suspected traffickers who are currently at large.
Ojelabi said operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID) carried out the intelligence-led operation following credible information.
He explained that the victims were allegedly brought into Nigeria from Togo, the Benin Republic and Niger with false promises of employment and better living opportunities.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were transported to Nigeria and kept in a three-bedroom apartment at Adeleke Estate, Osogbo, under suspicious circumstances before police intervention.
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The rescued individuals were identified as Moise Nanga, 30; Myriam Yakouba, 28; Rostand Joseph, 29; Mouris Kassoko, 26; Bicosso Nadia, 22; Samoru Ilan Azote, 20; Doris Samnat, 23; Zogo Michelle, 25; Nebi Sera, 21; Moeva Loure, 23; Awa Asoka, 25; Sonara Rene, 26; Ella Cadore, 24; Odil Mapa, 25; and Madji Sanni, 22.
The command said the victims are currently receiving care in protective custody, adding that it is working with relevant authorities to ensure their rehabilitation and reunification with their families.
On the arrest made during the operation, Ojelabi said the agent who rented out the apartment to the suspected traffickers had been apprehended and was assisting with ongoing investigations, while other suspects remain on the run.
The state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, reassured residents of the command’s commitment to combating human trafficking and other organised crimes.
He urged parents, guardians and property owners to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities or recruitment schemes to security agencies.