Police Smash Trans-Border Child Trafficking Syndicate in Lagos, Rescue 11 Victims

Police Smash Trans-Border Child Trafficking Syndicate in Lagos, Rescue 11 Victims

Lagos – The Lagos State Police Command has dismantled a notorious trans-border child trafficking syndicate, rescuing 11 victims and arresting four suspects who were allegedly involved in recruiting and transporting young Nigerians to Ghana for prostitution.

According to the Command, the breakthrough followed the arrest of a commercial motorcyclist, Mustapha Abubakar, on August 13, 2025, by operatives of the Ilemba Hausa Division. Abubakar was caught in possession of a 15-year-old girl, believed to be his victim, who was about to be trafficked across the border.

The case was transferred to the Command’s Special Squad I, which, relying on actionable intelligence, launched a coordinated operation that led to the arrest of three more suspects: Charles Chima, 54, at Amuwo Odofin; Emmanuel Nwaka, 36, along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway; and Princess John, 21, at Ojota.

Investigations revealed that the suspects are part of an organised criminal network responsible for trafficking young women from Nigeria to Ghana.

Police authorities confirmed that ten additional victims, aged between 21 and 29, were rescued during the operation. They are currently receiving protective care and support, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, commended the swift and professional conduct of the operatives. He reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for human trafficking and exploitation, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to the police.

The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue to unravel the full extent of the trafficking network.