Police in Lagos State have arrested four suspects accused of running a cross-border child trafficking syndicate that allegedly recruited young Nigerians and transported them to Ghana for prostitution.
The suspects, aged between 31 and 54, were detained in separate operations across the state, police spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin said on Friday.
According to Hundeyin, the investigation began on August 13, when officers from the Ilemba Hausa Division intercepted a commercial motorcyclist believed to be part of the network. He was found escorting a 15-year-old girl allegedly destined for Ghana to be exploited.
The case was transferred to the command’s Special Squad I, which launched a manhunt that led to the arrest of three more suspects. Acting on intelligence, police also rescued 10 additional women aged between 21 and 29.
“All rescued persons are now in protective care, receiving support and assistance,” Hundeyin said, adding that efforts are underway to reunite them with their families.
The state Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, praised the operatives’ “swift and professional action” and reaffirmed the command’s zero tolerance for human trafficking. He urged residents to monitor the welfare of young people and report suspicious activity.
The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue into the scope of the trafficking network.
