The Osun State Police Command has rescued fifteen foreign nationals who were victims of a suspected human trafficking during a coordinated, intelligence led operation by the State Intelligence Department(SID).
In a press release issued on Thursday in osogbo, the Public Relations Officer of the Osun State Command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi disclosed that the police officers swooped in on the traffickers who had allegedly lured the victims with false promises of employment and improved living conditions.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the victims were transported into Nigeria from neighboring West African countries and housed under suspicious circumstances in a three-bedroom apartment located at Adeleke Estate, Osogbo, before police intervention.
He further explained that the rescued victims, aged between 20 and 30 years, include indigenes from Togo, Benin Republic, and Niger and are currently receiving medical attention, counseling, and protective care, while the Command works closely with relevant authorities to facilitate their rehabilitation and safe reunification with their families.
He said, “The rescued individuals are: Moise Nanga ‘m’ 30yrs, Myriam Yakouba ‘f’ 28yrs, Rostand Joseph ‘m’ 29yrs, Mouris Kassoko ‘m’ 26yrs, Bicosso Nadia ‘f’ 22yrs, Samoru Ilan Azote ‘m’ 20yrs, Doris Samnat ‘f’ 23yrs, Zogo Miichelle ‘f’ 25yrs, Nebi Sera ‘f’ 21yrs, Moeva Loure ‘f’ 23yrs, Awa Asoka ‘f’ 25yrs, Sonara Rene ‘m’ 26yrs, Ella Cadore ‘m’ 24yrs, Odil Mapa ‘f’ 25yrs, and Madji Sanni ‘f’ 22yrs.”
The police have intensified efforts to apprehend some members of the syndicate that escaped and the house agent that rented out the apartment to the suspects has been arrested and is assisting investigators with useful information.
However, The Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, CP Ibrahim Gotan, mnips, reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to tackling human trafficking and other forms of organized crime in the state. He urged parents, guardians, and property owners to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities or recruitment schemes to security agencies.
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