The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the dismantling of two organised human trafficking syndicates operating across the country.
A total of 11 suspects were arrested in coordinated operations, while multiple victims including children, pregnant women, and foreign nationals were rescued from captivity.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Monday, operatives of the Zone‑13 Police Command, acting on credible intelligence, launched a sting operation targeting a deeply entrenched child‑trafficking and baby‑factory network in Enugu and Anambra States.
The operation led to the arrest of eight suspects, including Uzoamaka Ani (27), Joy Madu (52), and Victoria Onodu Akasike (56).
Investigations revealed that the suspects were involved in child theft, abduction, illegal adoptions, and the operation of unlicensed medical facilities functioning as baby factories.
Victims rescued from the operation include a seven‑month‑old infant, a four‑year‑old child, and two pregnant women from Ebonyi State who were reportedly held for the purpose of forced births and subsequent sale of their babies.
The statement added that all rescued victims are now in safe custody receiving care, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of the network.
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In a separate operation, the Ondo State Police Command, following a petition from the Interpol Liaison Office in Abuja, rescued a Ghanaian national, David Angerinya, who had been trafficked into Nigeria under false pretences. Three suspects — Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix were arrested in connection with a wider international syndicate that lured unsuspecting victims from West African countries with fake promises of jobs and travel visas to destinations such as Canada.
During the raid, operatives discovered an additional 39 Ghanaian nationals living in distressing conditions, many without valid travel documents or with expired passports.
They have since been placed under medical care and protective custody.
Inspector‑General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their professionalism and bravery, stressing that the Force remains resolute in combating human trafficking, child exploitation, and transnational crimes.
“The Nigeria Police Force will continue to protect the vulnerable and bring perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice,” the statement read.
Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station as efforts to curb human trafficking intensify nationwide.
