The Lagos State Police Command has dismantled a cross-border child trafficking network that specialized in recruiting and transporting young girls to Ghana for prostitution.
In a statement on Friday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that detectives rescued 11 victims and apprehended four suspects linked to the syndicate.
According to Hundeyin, operatives from the Ilemba Hausa Division first intercepted a suspect, identified as Mustapha Abubakar, on August 13, 2025, with a 15-year-old girl who was about to be trafficked.
He explained that the case was later transferred to the Special Squad I of the command, which launched a coordinated operation that resulted in the arrest of three additional suspects.
The statement partly read, *“On August 13, 2025, operatives of Ilemba Hausa Division intercepted and arrested one Mustapha Abubakar ‘m’, suspected to be an okada operator and recruiter, in possession of a 15-year-old female victim who was on the verge of being trafficked to Ghana for prostitution.
“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 the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, and Princess John ‘f’ aged 21 at Ojota.”*
Hundeyin further stated that investigations revealed the suspects were members of a criminal syndicate engaged in luring and transporting young women from Nigeria to Ghana for sex work.
He added that subsequent efforts led to the rescue of 10 more victims, aged between 21 and 29.
“They are currently in protective custody, receiving care and support, while arrangements are being made to reunite them with their families. The suspects are in custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations,” Hundeyin noted.
The spokesperson added that the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, praised the officers for their prompt action and reaffirmed the command’s zero tolerance for human trafficking.
Jimoh also appealed to residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement.
Advertisement
