NB247
No fewer than 15 girls, ages between 20 and 26 years have been rescued from a ring of sex exploiters and traffickers in Ondo State.
The syndicate, according to the police, hide under the cover of job recruitment and training them on social media content creation, to exploit the girls.
According to police spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, operatives of the Command’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, acting on credible intelligence, arrested one Jayeola Joshua, male, of Alagbaka, Akure, along with two others in connection with the crime.
He said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing accomplices.
”Investigations revealed that the syndicate lured victims from across the country with false promises of lucrative employment, including domestic work, ushering services, and overseas placements,” said Mr Ayanlade.
”Upon arrival in Akure, 15 victims, aged 20 to 26, were accommodated in an apartment in Alagbaka, which became the operational base for the illicit activities.
”The arrangement not only facilitated exploitation but also highlighted how organized criminal elements prey on the vulnerability of unsuspecting young women seeking legitimate opportunities.”
Mr Ayanlade said further inquiry uncovered that the victims were manipulated into sending nude images and videos, which were subsequently transmitted to clients procuring sexual services.
He also said the principal suspect reportedly received the largest share of the proceeds, while the operation was disguised as producing “relationship content” on social media, misleading the public and masking criminal intent.
”Evidence indicates that the apartment was specifically rented to facilitate these activities, prompting the Commissioner of Police to direct that the landlords be invited for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation,” he said.
”Following the rescue, the 15 victims were taken to the Police Hospital, Akure, for medical care, psychological evaluation, and counseling.
”In line with a victim-centered approach, the Commissioner of Police has directed that the case be transferred to the Command’s Gender Desk for further investigation, counseling, and reintegration of the victims into society.
”He also issued a marching order that all arrested suspects must be prosecuted and intensified efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining accomplices, demonstrating the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on human trafficking and sexual exploitation.”
Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, noted that intelligence-driven policing, combined with intra-agency collaboration, has significantly enhanced operational efficiency and contributed to the Command’s success in swiftly dismantling the syndicate.
Reaffirming the Command’s determination to eradicate criminal networks engaged in human trafficking and sexual exploitation, the CP urged parents and guardians to verify job offers and recruitment agents before allowing their wards to travel.
He further encouraged the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that can aid in preventing and detecting crime across the state, underscoring the vital role of community partnership in maintaining public safety.
Barely two weeks ago, the police command uncovered a suspected baby factory and human trafficking syndicate operating within Ore, in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.
Police authorities confirmed the rescue of five pregnant girls and a baby boy from the facility, where infants were allegedly being sold for between ₦400,000 and ₦600,000, depending on their gender.
Police say the prime suspect, Ada Clement, and her accomplices have been arrested and have confessed to the crime, admitting that the facility was used as a baby factory.