Nigeria Police Force Dismantles Two Major Human Trafficking Syndicates

The Nigeria Police Force has conducted a successful operation against two human trafficking syndicates operating in Enugu, Anambra, and Ondo States, leading to the arrest of 11 suspects and the rescue of several victims, including children, pregnant women, and foreign nationals. The operations targeted a network involved in child trafficking, abduction, and illegal adoption through unlicensed medical facilities, also known as baby factories. According to the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the suspects confessed to engaging in child theft and operating illicit maternity homes, preying on vulnerable women and children.

Key Takeaways:

• 11 suspects were arrested in the two operations, including Uzoamaka Ani, Joy Madu, and Victoria Akasike, who allegedly confessed to engaging in child theft and operating illicit maternity homes.
• The rescue operation led to the rescue of several victims, including a seven-month-old infant, a four-year-old child, and two heavily pregnant women from Ebonyi State.
• The suspects targeted vulnerable women and children, often luring and detaining them for exploitative purposes.
• A Ghanaian national, David Angerinya, was also rescued in a separate operation in Ondo State, after being allegedly trafficked into Nigeria under false pretenses.
• Three suspects, Hayford Nyamekye, Alex Awine, and Felix Kojo, were arrested for deceiving victims from neighboring West African countries by promising them employment opportunities and visas to countries like Canada.
• 39 additional Ghanaian nationals fell victim to the same trafficking network, with many lacking valid travel documentation and those who had passports found with expired ones.

Statistics:

• 11 suspects were arrested in the two operations.
• 7 victims were rescued in Enugu and Anambra States, including a 7-month-old infant, a 4-year-old child, and 2 heavily pregnant women.
• 39 additional Ghanaian nationals fell victim to the same trafficking network.
• 3 suspects were arrested in Ondo State for deceiving victims from neighboring West African countries.

Sources:

• "Nigeria Police Force Arrests 11 Suspects, Rescues Several Victims in Crackdown on Human Trafficking Syndicates" (Channels Television, no date)
• "Nigeria Police Foil Human Trafficking Plot, Rescue Ghanaian Woman from Being Sold" (Guardian.ng, no date)
• "Nigeria Police Rescues 7 Victims from Human Trafficking Syndicate" (Pulse.ng, no date)
• Statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.