Major Crackdown on Human Trafficking in Nigeria
The Nigerian Police Force has made significant progress in dismantling two major human trafficking networks that have been operating across multiple states. These operations resulted in the rescue of numerous victims, including children, pregnant women, and foreign nationals. A total of 11 suspects were arrested during these coordinated efforts.
Operation Against Child Trafficking
The crackdown was led by the Zone-13 Police Command and the Ondo State Police Command, with a focus on curbing child trafficking, illegal adoption, and transnational human smuggling. In the Southeast region, operatives from Zone-13 conducted a precision-led sting operation that uncovered a deeply entrenched child trafficking and baby factory network.
During this operation, eight suspects were arrested, including Uzoamaka Ani (27), Joy Madu (52), and Victoria Onodu Akasike (56). These individuals confessed to involvement in child theft, illegal adoption schemes, and the operation of unlicensed medical facilities used as baby factories in Enugu and Anambra States. Their activities targeted vulnerable women and children for exploitation and sale.
Among those rescued were a seven-month-old baby, a four-year-old child, and two heavily pregnant women from Ebonyi State who were being held captive in a remote village. The pregnant women were reportedly lured and held for the purpose of forced births and subsequent sale of their newborns. The rescue was swift and executed without harm to the victims, who are now in safe custody and receiving necessary care.
International Human Trafficking Ring Uncovered
In a separate development, the Ondo State Police Command successfully rescued a trafficked Ghanaian national, David Angerinya, after receiving a petition from the Interpol Liaison Office in Abuja. Acting on the intelligence, officers arrested three suspects: Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix, who are believed to be part of an international human trafficking ring.
According to the police statement, the suspects allegedly lured victims from Ghana with promises of jobs and visas to countries such as Canada. During the operation, police also discovered an additional 39 Ghanaian nationals in the traffickers’ custody. Many of them lacked valid travel documentation, while those in possession of passports presented expired papers, further underscoring the depth of exploitation.
The victims were found in distressing conditions and are currently undergoing medical treatment. The operation was launched following a formal petition from the Interpol Liaison Office at Force Headquarters, Abuja, calling for immediate police intervention in a suspected case of transnational human trafficking.
Broader Implications
The arrests highlight the growing concern over human trafficking in Nigeria, particularly involving foreign nationals. The suspects involved in these operations were found to be operating in deplorable conditions, often using fake documents and exploiting vulnerable individuals from neighboring West African countries.
These operations demonstrate the commitment of the Nigerian Police Force to combat human trafficking and protect the most vulnerable members of society. The successful rescue of victims and arrest of suspects mark a significant step forward in the fight against organized crime and exploitation.
The ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies are crucial in ensuring that such criminal activities are not only detected but also brought to justice. As the police continue their investigations, it is hoped that more networks will be dismantled, leading to safer communities and better protection for all individuals, regardless of their background or nationality.
