The Lagos State Police Command has dismantled a trans-border child trafficking syndicate, rescuing 11 victims and arresting four suspects allegedly involved in recruiting young Nigerians for prostitution in Ghana.
Police spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin said on Friday that operatives of the Ilemba Hausa Division arrested 32-year-old Mustapha Abubakar on August 13 with a 15-year-old girl reportedly being trafficked. “The case was, thereafter, transferred to the Special Squad I of the Command which, supported by actionable intelligence, launched a swift and coordinated manhunt that led to the arrest of Charles Chima ‘m’ aged 54 at Amuwo Odofin, Emmanuel Nwaka ‘m’ aged 36 along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, and Princess John ‘f’ aged 21 at Ojota,” he said.
Further investigation led to the safe rescue of 10 more victims, aged between 21 and 29, now in protective care with plans to reunite them with their families.
Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh commended the operatives’ “swift and professional action” and urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.