The Lagos State Police Command has busted a notorious trans-border child trafficking gang, rescuing eleven victims and arresting four suspects involved in recruiting and transporting young Nigerians to Ghana for prostitution.
On August 13, 2025, operatives of Ilemba Hausa Division intercepted and arrested one Mustapha Abubakar suspected to be an okada operator and recruiter, in possession of a 15-year-old female victim who was on the verge of being trafficked to Ghana for prostitution. The case was, thereafter, transferred to the Special Squad I of the Command which, supported by actionable intelligence, launched a swift and coordinated manhunt that led to the arrest of 54-year-old Charles Chima at Amuwo Odofin, 36-year-old Emmanuel Nwaka along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, and 21-year-old Princess John in Ojota, Lagos.
The Command said investigation revealed that all arrested suspects are part of the criminal network that recruits and traffick young women from Nigeria to Ghana.
Further investigations led to the safe rescue of additional 10 victims aged between 21 and 29.
The Command said all rescued persons are now in protective care, receiving the necessary support and assistance, while arrangements are being made to reunite them with their families. The suspects remain in custody and are actively assisting investigators in unravelling the full extent of the network.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Olohundare Jimoh, commended the operatives for the operation. He reaffirmed the Command’s zero tolerance for human trafficking and exploitation, and urges the public to remain vigilant, monitor the welfare of young persons, and promptly report suspicious activities to the Police.
