Lagos, Nigeria – In a major breakthrough against human trafficking, the Lagos State Police Command has dismantled a dangerous gang that was smuggling young Nigerians across borders to Ghana for forced prostitution. Police rescued 11 victims and arrested four key suspects in a swift operation that highlights the ongoing fight against exploitation in the region.
The crackdown began on August 13, 2025, when officers from the Ilemba Hausa Division stopped and arrested Mustapha Abubakar, a motorcycle taxi (okada) operator. He was caught with a 15-year-old girl who was about to be trafficked to Ghana. This quick action prevented her from being forced into prostitution and kicked off a larger investigation.
The case was handed over to the Command’s Special Squad I, a team skilled in handling serious crimes. Using tips from reliable sources, they launched a fast manhunt across Lagos. This led to more arrests: Charles Chima, a 54-year-old man, was nabbed in Amuwo Odofin; Emmanuel Nwaka, aged 36, was caught along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway; and Princess John, a 21-year-old woman, was arrested at Ojota.
Police investigations showed that all four suspects were part of a well-organized network. They recruited vulnerable young women from Nigeria and transported them to Ghana, where they were exploited in the sex trade. The gang targeted girls and women, promising them better lives but delivering them into danger.
Thanks to deeper probes, officers rescued an additional 10 victims, all between 21 and 29 years old. These women are now safe in protective care, getting medical help, counseling, and support. The police are working to reunite them with their families soon.
The arrested suspects are still in custody and are helping investigators uncover more about the gang’s operations. Authorities hope this will lead to even more arrests and shut down the entire network.
Commissioner of Police for Lagos State, CP Olohundare Jimoh, praised the officers for their quick and professional work. “This success shows our strong stand against human trafficking and exploitation,” he said. “We have zero tolerance for such crimes. I urge everyone in Lagos to stay alert, watch over young people in their communities, and report anything suspicious to the police right away.”
Human trafficking remains a big problem in West Africa, with criminals preying on poverty and lack of opportunities. This bust is a reminder of the risks young Nigerians face and the need for community vigilance.
The Lagos State Police Command encourages anyone with information on similar activities to contact them through emergency lines or local stations. Together, we can make Lagos safer for everyone.
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