The Osun State Police Command has rescued 15 young persons believed to be victims of a cross-border human trafficking syndicate and arrested one suspect in connection with the crime.
The victims were reportedly discovered in a residential building in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, where they had been camped by suspected traffickers who are currently at large.
Confirming the development in a statement released on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the rescue followed a coordinated intelligence-driven operation by operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID).
“The Osun State Police Command has successfully rescued fifteen (15) young persons who were victims of a suspected human trafficking syndicate during a coordinated and intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the State Intelligence Department,” Ojelabi stated.
He explained that the operation was launched after the Command received credible intelligence about suspicious activities at the property.
“Acting on credible information, officers of the Command moved swiftly to the location and rescued the victims from traffickers who had allegedly deceived them with false promises of employment and better living opportunities outside their home countries,” he said.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were brought into Nigeria from neighbouring countries including Niger, Togo and the Benin Republic under the guise of securing lucrative job placements.
“These young persons were lured from Niger, Togo and the Benin Republic with assurances of good job opportunities in Nigeria. Unfortunately, those promises turned out to be deceptive,” Ojelabi added.
The spokesperson disclosed that while some members of the suspected trafficking network fled during the raid, one individual linked to the crime had been taken into custody.
“Some suspects connected to this criminal act have absconded, but the Command is on their trail. However, the agent who gave out the house to these criminal elements has been arrested and is assisting the police in the ongoing investigations,” he said.
He assured that the Command was intensifying efforts to apprehend other fleeing suspects and dismantle the syndicate.
Ojelabi further stated that the rescued youths were currently under protective custody and receiving necessary care.
“The victims are presently under protective custody where they are receiving the required medical attention and psychosocial support. The Command is working closely with relevant authorities to ensure their rehabilitation and safe reintegration,” he said.
He added that steps were being taken to facilitate contact with the victims’ families and coordinate their eventual reunification.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to tackling human trafficking and organised crime, the Osun police spokesperson conveyed the position of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan.
“The Commissioner of Police urges parents, guardians and house owners to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious movements, recruitment schemes or unusual gatherings within their communities to the nearest security agency,” Ojelabi stated.
He stressed that human trafficking remains a grave violation of human rights and warned that the Command would continue to pursue perpetrators relentlessly.
“We will not relent in our efforts to combat human trafficking and other organised crimes in the state. Criminal elements who exploit vulnerable persons will face the full weight of the law,” he added.
