Operatives of Lagos State Police Command have arrested four suspects involved in recruiting and transporting young Nigerians to Ghana for prostitution.
The arrest followed the busting of a notorious trans-border child trafficking gang, with 11 victims rescued.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement said that on Wednesday, August 13, police officers from Ilemba Hausa Division intercepted and arrested one Mustapha Abubakar, said to be commercial motorcyclist and recruiter, while in possession of a 15-year-old female victim on the verge of her being trafficked to Ghana for prostitution.
The PPRO stated that after the transfer of the case to the Special Squad I of the Command, a manhunt led to the arrest of 54-year-old Charles Chima at Amuwo Odofin; Emmanuel Nwaka, aged 36, along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway; and Princess John, aged 21 at Ojota.
According to Hundeyin, investigation revealed that all arrested suspects belonged to a criminal network engaged in recruiting and trafficking young females from Nigeria to Ghana.
He added that further investigations led to the safe rescue of additional 10 victims aged between 21 and 29.
“All rescued persons are now in protective care, receiving the necessary support and assistance, while arrangements are being made to reunite them with their families.
“The suspects remain in custody and are actively assisting investigators in unravelling the full extent of the network,” CSP Hundeyin said.
The Commissioner of Police, Moshood Olohundare Jimoh, who commended the operatives for their swift and professional action, reaffirmed the Command’s zero tolerance for human trafficking and exploitation.
He urged the public to remain vigilant, monitor the welfare of young persons and promptly report suspicious activities to the police.
