The Oyo State Police Command has rescued five Congolese nationals believed to be victims of human trafficking during an intelligence-led operation in Ibadan.
The command’s spokesman, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, announced the development in a statement on Wednesday, saying the rescue followed credible intelligence received by the police.
He said the Commissioner of Police directed operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to immediately raid Bollarz Hotel in the Araromi area of Ibadan, where the victims were successfully rescued.
According to the police, the rescued victims are Bonsaly Mpika Donel, 24; Charles Siloe, 23; Eliane Ruth Makengo, 26; Makota Janie Darcel, 23; and Simba Babeki Elie, 33.
DSP Ayanlade said preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were allegedly lured into Nigeria by a man identified as Smith, a citizen of the Republic of Benin, with promises of better jobs and improved economic opportunities.
He disclosed that the suspect was not found during the operation, adding that efforts are ongoing to track him down and bring him to justice.
The police spokesman said the rescued foreign nationals received immediate medical attention and underwent medical examinations after they were freed.
He added that the Commissioner of Police had directed that the victims be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Oyo State Command, for further action in line with established procedures.
DSP Ayanlade reaffirmed the command’s commitment to fighting human trafficking and protecting vulnerable persons from exploitation.
He also urged residents to provide credible information that would help security agencies identify and arrest other members of the suspected trafficking network.