The Nigeria Police Force has smashed two human trafficking syndicates operating in Ondo, Anambra, and Enugu states, rescuing several victims, including 39 Ghanaians, two pregnant women, a seven-month-old baby, and a four-year-old child.

This was disclosed in a statement shared on the official X handle of the Nigeria Police Force on Monday, signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

The statement noted that operatives of the Zone-13 Police Command carried out a “precision-led sting operation” targeting a network involved in child trafficking and a baby factory network.

Eight suspects were arrested in connection with the case, including Uzoamaka Ani (27), Joy Madu (52), and Victoria Onodu Akasike (56), who “confessed to active involvement in child theft, abduction, illegal adoption schemes, and the operation of unlicensed medical facilities functioning as baby factories.”

According to the statement, “The victims rescued during the operation include a seven-month-old infant, a four-year-old child, and two heavily pregnant women, all held under captivity in a remote village.”

The pregnant women, said to be from Ebonyi State, were allegedly lured to the facility and held until they gave birth, after which their babies would be sold.

In a related development, operatives of the Ondo State Police Command rescued a Ghanaian national, David Angerinya, who was reportedly trafficked into Nigeria under false promises of a job and Canadian visa.

The police said the rescue followed a petition from the Interpol Liaison Office at Force Headquarters, Abuja, prompting an investigation that led to the arrest of three suspects: Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix.

“Investigations revealed that these suspects are part of a wider international trafficking syndicate that specialises in deceiving individuals, particularly from neighbouring West African countries, with fake promises of employment and travel visas to countries like Canada,” the statement added.

Thirty-nine additional Ghanaian nationals were found during the operation, many of whom were without valid travel documents or in possession of expired passports.

The victims were reportedly discovered in distressing conditions and are currently receiving medical treatment.

Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was said to have noted that the arrests “underscore the firm stance of the Nigeria Police Force against all forms of human trafficking, child exploitation, and transnational crimes.”

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station.

“The Force remains resolute in its duty to protect the vulnerable and bring perpetrators to justice, reinforcing the message that such crimes will not be tolerated under any guise”, the statement said. (PUNCH)