Human Trafficking Ring Busted in Ondo as Police Rescue 14 Victims

Human Trafficking Ring Busted in Ondo as Police Rescue 14 Victims

The Ondo State Police Command has rescued 14 victims of human trafficking and arrested several suspected traffickers in a coordinated intelligence-led operation across parts of the state.

Police authorities said the operation followed credible intelligence reports on the activities of a trans-national human trafficking syndicate allegedly operating within Akure and surrounding communities. The victims, believed to be foreign nationals, were reportedly lured into Nigeria under false promises of employment opportunities abroad.

According to the police, investigations revealed that the suspects deceived the victims with offers of jobs in countries such as Canada, only to detain them upon arrival in Nigeria, confiscate their travel documents, and subject them to exploitation.

In one of the cases, a victim reportedly escaped from captivity and reported the matter at a police station, leading operatives to raid the hideout where several other victims were being held. During the operation, multiple suspects were arrested, including the landlord of the premises allegedly used to harbour the victims.

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In a related development, police uncovered another trafficking ring while investigating a report initially suspected to be a banditry case. Further inquiry revealed that the individuals involved were victims of illegal recruitment and trafficking, housed in a residential building under the guise of online marketing work.

The police said preliminary findings indicate that the victims were recruited through deceptive online schemes and forced to work under commission-based arrangements without freedom of movement. They have since been identified as victims of modern-day slavery.

All rescued victims are currently in protective custody, while arrangements are being made to involve relevant embassies and agencies for proper documentation and repatriation where necessary. Meanwhile, suspects arrested in connection with the crimes will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Ondo State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to tackling human trafficking, warning landlords and members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities within their communities.

Human Trafficking Ring Busted in Ondo as Police Rescue 14 Victims