The Lagos State Police Command has smashed a trans-border child trafficking syndicate, rescuing 11 young victims and arresting four suspects accused of recruiting and transporting Nigerians to Ghana for prostitution.
The breakthrough came on August 13, 2025, when operatives from the Ilemba Hausa Division intercepted a suspected recruiter, Mustapha Abubakar, while he attempted to traffic a 15-year-old girl to Ghana.
The case was later transferred to the Command’s Special Squad I, which, acting on intelligence, launched a coordinated manhunt that led to the arrest of three more suspects: Charles Chima (54) in Amuwo Odofin, Emmanuel Nwaka (36) along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, and Princess John (21) at Ojota.
Police investigations confirmed that the suspects were part of a larger criminal network engaged in cross-border trafficking of young women. This effort also led to the safe rescue of 10 additional victims, aged between 21 and 29, who are now receiving protective care and will soon be reunited with their families.
The suspects remain in custody and are assisting investigators in tracking down other members of the network.
Commending the operatives for their swift action, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, reaffirmed the Command’s zero tolerance for human trafficking and urged residents to stay vigilant, protect young people, and promptly report suspicious activities.
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